Type-1 Diabetes, Gender and Technology: Exploring Lived Experiences

This thesis explores the experiences of women living with type-1 diabetes who use diabetes technology in Ontario. The thesis also looks at the Diabetes Online Community (DOC) and how women use the DOC to interact with other type-1 diabetics, access information and blog about their experiences of type-1 diabetes. The research methodology consisted of 9 in-depth interviews with women who have type-1 diabetes who use some type of diabetes technology: insulin pump, Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), and/or applications. Participants described how the body was rendered more present with the insulin pump and Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), compared to other diabetes regimens. Participants faced a number of challenges after diagnosis that ranged from dealing with stigma, to the mental health implications associated with type-1 diabetes management. The goal of good diabetes control is woven throughout participants’ narratives.