1573-P: Medical Traumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction and Objective: Though medical traumatic stress has been examined in other conditions (e.g., cancer, HIV), there is significantly less research in T1D. Despite this stress, many with T1D report experiencing posttraumatic growth from living with T1D. The aim of this study is to examine the perception of T1D events as traumas and links between experiences of T1D-related traumatic stress and posttraumatic growth. Methods: Young adults ages 18-29 years old [N = 163 (115 female), Mage = 24.08±3.23, 15% non-White, MT1D duration = 12.59±6.47, MHbA1c = 7.22±1.52] completed questionnaires about potentially traumatic T1D experiences, PTSD symptoms assessing traumatic stress based on their most distressing T1D event, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-42 (PTGI-42). Results: Over half of young adults endorsed that living with T1D is at least “occasionally” traumatic and 5% endorsed that T1D is “always” traumatic. Being diagnosed with T1D was the most frequently endorsed traumatic T1D event for young adults (60.7%). Thirty-five percent of young adults reported experiencing some level of PTSD symptoms from their most traumatic T1D event (e.g., diagnosis, severe hypoglycemia), with 9% of young adults reporting symptoms at the level of possible PTSD diagnosis. Traumatic stress was associated with posttraumatic growth in young adults (p < .001). Conclusion: Whereas approximately 20-30% of those with chronic conditions experience medical traumatic stress, a slightly higher percentage of young adults with T1D report traumatic stress symptoms and some even experience PTSD from their T1D-related medical events. In spite and because of this traumatic stress, some find meaning in living with T1D. Future research is needed to understand the underlying factors that may contribute to traumatic stress and growth to enable providers to engage in trauma-informed care and ultimately support better health outcomes. Disclosure H. Manis: Other - Social media influencer; Current; Abbott Diabetes. K. Driscoll: Consultant; Ended; Sanofi-Aventis U.S., JDRF. Other - Editor of a book; Ended; American Diabetes Association.