For children with type 1 diabetes, the period of adolescence is associated with higher blood glucose levels and increased psychological distress compared to other age groups. Focusing on pre‐teens (9‐12 years) with type 1 diabetes and their families has been suggested as key to understanding and reducing these challenges. The aim of this study was to explore: 1, how diabetes affects family life, 2, experiences of and needs for support and 3, how care responsibilities are negotiated among pre‐teens with type 1 diabetes and their families. Data were obtained from four interactive workshops with pre‐teens (n = 17), their parents (n = 26) and their siblings (n = 14). Dialogue tools, for example quotes and picture cards, were used to facilitate discussion and reflection concerning family life with type 1 diabetes. Data analysis resulted in three themes: 1, diabetes takes up ‘a lot of space’, 2, giving and receiving support and 3, balancing control and flexibility. While diabetes took up significant space in the families, family members protected each other from their respective frustrations. The findings point to the significance of considering all key family members and their interactions in diabetes interventions. This includes balancing control and flexibility, negotiating responsibilities and building trust.

中文翻译：

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控制和灵活性之间的微妙平衡：1 型糖尿病学龄前儿童及其家人的护理和支持经验

对于 1 型糖尿病儿童，与其他年龄组相比，青春期与更高的血糖水平和更多的心理压力有关。已建议关注患有 1 型糖尿病的青少年（9-12 岁）及其家人是理解和减少这些挑战的关键。本研究的目的是探讨：1，糖尿病如何影响家庭生活，2，支持的经历和需求，3，1 型糖尿病青少年及其家人之间如何协商护理责任。数据来自四次互动研讨会，其中包括 17 岁前儿童、他们的父母 (n = 26) 和他们的兄弟姐妹 (n = 14)。对话工具，例如引语和图片卡，用于促进有关 1 型糖尿病患者家庭生活的讨论和反思。数据分析产生了三个主题：1，糖尿病占据“大量空间”，2，给予和接受支持，3，平衡控制和灵活性。虽然糖尿病在家庭中占据了很大的空间，但家庭成员相互保护，免受各自的挫折。研究结果指出在糖尿病干预中考虑所有关键家庭成员及其相互作用的重要性。这包括平衡控制和灵活性、谈判责任和建立信任。