Background: Type 1-diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes insulin deficiency. The disease often debuts during childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong treatment. This means that adolescents and young adults take on a great deal of responsibility at an early age, which affects their daily lives and well-being. Inadequate self-care can lead to both acute and long-term complications.

Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the experiences of adolescent and young adults with selfcare of type 1 diabetes.

Method: The study is a qualitative literature review. Data collection was carried out in the CINAHL and PubMed databases, and ten articles were included in the results through Braun and Clarke`s six-step thematic analysis.

Results: Three main themes were generated: Steps towards independence in self-care. Challenges that hinder self-care. Support that enables self-care and wellbeing. Each theme contained two associated subthemes.  

Conclusion: Self-care in adolescents and young adults is a gradual process in which the pursuit of independence needs to be balanced with access to support. Further research should focus on support measures that can strengthen self-care and well-being in adolescents and young adults with T1D.