1995-P: Patient Perspectives: Type 2 Diabetes Care for Young Adults in Primary Care and Novel Therapeutic Practices

Introduction and Objective: Young adults (YAs) with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) are a vulnerable group facing obstacles and poor outcomes. We explored their perspectives on facilitators and barriers to effective T2DM primary care, including views on novel therapies (ex. Incretin-based medications) and technology (ex. telehealth). Methods: YAs completed a survey and participated in semi-structured video interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using deductive and inductive thematic approaches guided by the Bronfenbrenner socioecological model. Results: Participants were 19-30 years old (n=9; 4 female; 4 Black, 5 Hispanic). Three had some post-secondary education. Self-reported last HbA1C ranged from 5.3-10.6% (median 7.1%). Patients described facilitators and barriers at personal, health system, and environmental levels. Personal facilitators included feeling informed, self-advocacy, and motivation for remission. Barriers included guilt, self-consciousness, poor mental health, and symptoms limiting daily life. Health system facilitators highlighted providers who showed genuine care, considered life context, created accountability, responded promptly, offered technology supported communication, progress tracking, and real-time feedback. System barriers included limited mental health support, dissatisfaction with outdated metformin-based care models, pharmacy-insurance coordination issues, and inadequate early diabetes education. Environmental facilitators included school/work accommodations and supportive family/friends. Barriers included public misconceptions about diabetes (particularly its conflation with obesity) and high food and novel medication costs. Conclusion: YAs with T2DM reported multilevel facilitators and barriers to effective primary care. They expressed strong interest in state-of-the-art diabetes care and challenges in accessing it. Technology was viewed as central for accessing care, monitoring progress, and empowering greater control over their condition. Disclosure S. DeLacey: None. L.J. Bayer: Other - Previous P&G employee—partnered with Abbott employees to manage Clearblue sales relationship with Walgreens; Ended; Abbott Diagnostics. Other - Previous P&G employee—worked on sales team for Adult Incontinence and Menstrual Care businesses; Ended; Walgreens. Employee; Ended; Procter & Gamble. Consultant; Current; Kroger / 84.51 (Including Pharmacy). E.L. Lam: None. A. Campbell: None. J. Weissberg-Benchell: Consultant; Ended; Sanofi. A. Wallia: Research Support; Current; UnitedHealth Group.