ABSTRACT Background Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) requires consistent disease management for blood sugar regulation. A theoretical framework can assist with interpreting behavioral processes needed for disease management. However, limited qualitative studies have explored disease management practices among college students with T1D using a theoretical framework. Purpose To theoretically explore college students’ engagement in T1D self-care behaviors to further understand disease management experiences. Methods One-on-one interviews with 31 full-time college students attending universities in the Southeastern United States. A thematic analysis was conducted to generate subthemes. Results Subthemes explained self-care maintenance behaviors performed daily (i.e. carry supplies, administer insulin), self-care monitoring behaviors (e.g. analyzing blood sugar trends), and how self-care behaviors were adjusted when previous behaviors were no longer effective for blood sugar regulation. Discussion Although participants routinely performed T1D self-care behaviors, additional information is needed on how technology is used for self-care monitoring. Future studies should explore college students’ T1D self-care management behaviors to determine strategies that are used to improve their blood sugar. Translation to Health Education Practice Findings from this study can assist health education specialists and healthcare professionals with creating interventions to support disease management among college students living with T1D.