AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON ADAPTATION TO INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS IN FOUR INDIAN FAMILIES

Abstract

This is an exploratory study into the adaptation of 4 Indian adolescents and their families to Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). This study is the first that sheds some light on this rare medical condition, in the Singapore context. This study aims to capture the experiences of the adolescents and their families and to better understand the impact that IDDM has on their lives. There have been vast amounts of literature overseas documenting the effects of psychosocial and physical variables on the medical outcome of IDDM, i.e., the metabolic control of the patient. Being a qualitative study, this research steers clear of concerning itself with predictor variables or variable manipulation. Instead, it will present a picture of what is the state of IDDM in the lives of the adolescents and their families. From there, it will examine the adaptation processes, and the resources and familial factors that facilitate the adaptation