Emma Innes

“Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication for those living with Type 1 diabetes and often occurs in adolescents and during young adulthood. The research using in-depth interviews explored first person lived experience of developing DKA and the resulting effects of this on the individual.

Participants were profoundly affected physically and psychologically by having developed DKA, the legacy of which lasted beyond the initial hospital admission. DKA was not caused by a lack of knowledge in how to manage Type 1 diabetes. Rather insulin omission offered a brief opportunity to be free from having and living with Type 1 diabetes. Whilst the young women in this study understood the futility of such an approach, it was insufficient to overcome taking a break from having diabetes. Intentional insulin omission enabled participants to regain some control”.

“I am so pleased to be graduating at Worcester, throughout the process it has been supportive and has enabled me to reach my potential.”