Understanding the experiences of Aboriginal teenagers with type 2 diabetes

Researchers from Western Australia provide insights into impact, challenges and cultural nuances to improve care strategies

By Sienna Russell-Green ^[1]

In Australia, as in many places around the world, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is becoming more common among teenagers. In Western Australia, T2D is more likely to affect Aboriginal teens than non-Aboriginal teens. However, there is very little information about how Aboriginal teens and their families cope with the diagnosis of T2D. Some Aboriginal families live far from cities, so accessing healthcare can be tricky. Historical contexts and cultural factors may also affect how they feel about seeking medical help.

The aims of this study were to:

1. 1. 1. Hear from Aboriginal teens about their feelings on T2D.
      2. Find out how T2D affects their families and what help they may need.

Researchers talked with 24 people, including 8 teens (aged 11 – 16) with T2D and their families, all living in Western Australia. Half were female. Six lived in regional areas. On average, the teens were diagnosed with T2D at around 10 years old, and had lived with the condition for about 3 years.

Several issues arose:

• • 1. Surprise diagnosis: Teens usually found out they had T2D when they were in hospital for an unrelated issue. Being away from their families during hospital stays was tough, and they had to learn a lot about T2D all at once.
    2. Life changes: T2D changed a lot of things for teens. It made them feel stressed and worry about their future. Many had a hard time accepting the diagnosis. Most of what they knew about T2D came from family who had negative experiences of living with the condition.
    3. Stigma: Teens felt embarrassed about having T2D. They kept it secret from friends and family because they didn’t want to be judged. This made it hard for them to get support and go to medical appointments.
    4. Self-management: Teens had a hard time managing their T2D and school commitments. Families couldn’t always afford medicine, or healthy foods. Teens felt that group activities, regular treatment, and ongoing support could help.

Aboriginal teens with T2D and their families need more support, including resources that fit with their age and culture. They feel shame and stigma, which leads them to hide the condition from others. Hiding it means they may not manage their T2D, or access the support they need, on a day-to-day basis.

The researchers conclude that improving outcomes in this community requires culturally appropriate education, community support, and addressing food insecurity.

You can visit Diabetes Victoria ^[2] and the NDSS ^[3] for more information and resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples.

Reference:

Photo by Bobbi Lockyer | The photo is not of participants from the study

Carmen R, Towell-Barnard A, Shah M, Davis E, Maple-Brown L, Pearson G, Arabiat D, Kirkham R, Whitehead L. “Sometimes Our Mob Don’t Really Take It Serious Until It’s Serious”: The Experience of Western Australian Aboriginal Adolescents Living With Type 2 Diabetes, Their Parents and Their Family Members ^[4]. Canadian Journal of Diabetes, 2023;47(5): 420-427