Introduction and Objective: Despite rapidly advancing diabetes technologies, young adults (YAs) with T1D continue to face challenges with self-management as they navigate major life transitions, new responsibilities, and evolving support networks. The current study sought to understand YAs’ insights and suggestions for how to improve this age group’s experience and engagement with diabetes devices. Methods: YAs ages 18-25 with T1D ≥1 year participated in semi-structured interviews querying personal experiences and suggestions for what did or could have improved their device experiences. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants (N=36, age 21.6±2.1y, 58% female, 72% non-Hispanic White, T1D duration 12.9±5.2y, A1c 7.2±1.1%, 86% AID users) offered various suggestions to improve device experiences. The major themes were to: 1) increase device automation and customization, 2) provide education to support device maintenance from peers and healthcare teams, 3) encourage emotional and social support through peer and personal networks, and 4) promote inclusivity in device access and public/media representation (see Figure). Conclusion: YAs’ perspectives highlight the perceived benefits of peer-based learning, support, and representation, which are unique opportunities to enhance device experiences. Future research should identify means to involve peers with T1D in onboarding and maintaining device use. Disclosure P.V. Commissariat: None. M.C. Penman: None. G. Orloff: None. M.D. Ritholz: Board Member; Current; DarioHealth Corp. M. Hilliard: None. V.S. Helgeson: None. L.M. Laffel: Other - Travel support for scientific presentations; Ended; Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH. Other - DSMB Chair; Ended; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Consultant; Current; Dexcom, Inc. Advisory Panel; Current; Medtronic, Sequel, Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Consultant; Current; Roche Diabetes Care, Sinocare. Advisory Panel; Ended; Sanofi. Advisory Panel; Current; MannKind Corporation. Funding National Institutes of Health (K23DK137024)
Commissariat et al. (Fri,) studied this question.