Abstract
OBJECTIVE: to interpret the meanings attributed to the health-related quality of life by caregivers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study of 14 caregivers of adolescents with diabetes developed at the reference outpatient clinic for endocrine diseases in a city in the state of Paraíba. Interviews were performed between May and September 2021. Inductive thematic analysis of the empirical material, and its interpretation in light of the concepts of health-related quality of life and family functioning were performed. RESULTS: the meanings attributed by caregivers to the health-related quality of life of adolescents converged on the feeling of being healthy, healthy eating, satisfactory family income, family involvement in care and effective access to the care network. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: knowledge of these meanings enables health professionals to develop strategies that meet the unique demands of caregivers experiencing this diagnosis.