Abstract
A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus often comes as a shock and can be difficult for the patient to accept. When arriving during the already challenging adolescent period, this can be particularly difficult. This article explores the impact of a diagnosis during this time and offers suggestions to improve the care provided to this unique group of patients. It considers the complex nature of the condition and the challenges of day to day management for young people. There is limited research which solely focuses on the timing of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis; therefore, these findings add an insight into the experience for those who are diagnosed during those critical adolescent years. This will allow nurses and other healthcare professionals to consider the factors which are important in terms of improving the care of this group of patients.