Table 1.

The core category, the selective and axial codes established through the GT analysis

Name of the code	Type of code
Pathways towards everyday experiences of self-directedness	Core category
1. Facing threats	Selective
1.1. Dealing with the ‘insidious killer’ (hyperglycaemia)	Axial
1.2. Coping with the threat of coma (hypoglycaemia)	Axial
1.3. Dealing with the ‘military regime’ (treatment and diet)	Axial
2. Constructing protective space and time	Selective
2.1. Protection for mealtimes	Axial
2.2. Protection against stigma	Axial
3. Constructing everyday experiences of self-directedness	Selective
3.1. Attitude towards one’s body: attention and concealment	Axial
3.2. Difficulties in assertiveness	Axial
3.3. Influencing each other’s attitude	Axial
3.4. Shared control: ‘This is the life of the family’	Axial
3.5. At the doctor’s: cheating, giving up or partnering	Axial

GT, grounded theory.