Social support for the parents of children with type 1 diabetes: An ethnographic study

The incidence of type 1 diabetes is on the rise, and it has become one of the most common chronic childhood conditions globally. Caring for children who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes has been shown to contribute to parental distress, owing to the chronic nature of the condition. In recent years, social support groups have been established to provide parents with an environment in which to share their experiences and advice. This article reports on the findings from an ethnographic study of a social support group in Ireland for parents who have children with type 1 diabetes, aiming to gain an understanding of the experiences of parents outside of the hospital setting, and the significance of these social support groups in diabetes care delivery.