What does this research mean for the field?

A virtual, group-based Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) program tailored for emerging adults with Type 1 Diabetes is highly acceptable and demonstrates that peer interaction is a key motivator for engagement. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a new diabetes self-management education and support program for emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.

June 7, 2026

1491-P: Acceptability of a Novel Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) Program for Emerging Adults (EAs) with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Key Points

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a new diabetes self-management education and support program for emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.
EAs with T1D, ages 18-26 years, were enrolled (N=49) from diabetes clinics.
Participants attended 4 virtual, group-based sessions lasting 30-45 minutes each.
Post-intervention interviews were conducted with 34 participants to assess acceptability themes.
On average, EAs attended 3 out of 4 DSMES sessions; 65% attended all sessions.
Participants favored flexible scheduling and found the content relevant, particularly case studies utilizing CGM examples.
Peer interaction was a key motivator and a highly appreciated aspect of the program.

Abstract

Introduction and Objective: EAs with T1D experience unique diabetes self-management challenges yet have alarmingly low DSMES participation. We assessed acceptability of a new DSMES program specifically designed for EAs. Methods: EAs with T1D, ages 18-26y, were recruited from pediatric and adult diabetes clinics (49 enrolled; 3 withdrew) to a DSMES program with 4 virtual, group-based sessions, lasting 30-45 minutes. Led by a diabetes care and education specialist, sessions centered on self-care behaviors within the context of issues salient to EAs, and used case studies to present content, engage EAs in discussion, and encourage application of knowledge/skills gained. Post-intervention, 34 participants completed interviews, which were analyzed to identify themes related to acceptability. Results: On average, EAs joined 3 out of 4 DSMES sessions with 65% (n=30/46) attending all 4 sessions. Most participants thought scheduling was easy, appreciating being offered flexible options; sessions were the right length or could be longer to offer more time for peer interaction; the ideal group size was 8-10 EAs; and the virtual format was convenient, but in-person might better support personal connections. Participants generally found topics relevant and liked the case studies, especially those with CGM examples. Participants strongly appreciated hearing from EAs at different stages of life/transfer of diabetes care. Interestingly, participants recruited from adult clinics reported wishing they had a program like this earlier in their transfer from pediatric to adult care. Ability to socialize with other EAs with T1D was reported to be both a key motivator to participate and one of the most important aspects of the program. Conclusion: Findings suggest EAs had an overall positive experience with this novel DSMES program and highlight a strong interest in peer interaction. A retrospective desire to have engaged in similar DSMES earlier underscores the need to further explore ways to connect with EAs early on. Disclosure J. Krall: Research Support; Current; Dexcom, Inc. L.M. Siminerio: None. M.E. Hamm: Research Support; Ended; Pfizer Inc. E. Hileman-Kaplan: None. C. Moon: None. J.M. Ng: Research Support; Ended; Sanofi-Aventis U.S. I. Libman: None. Funding National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (5R34DK136020)

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