55-LB: “Older patients manifest it differently”—HCP Perspectives of People Aging with Type 1 Diabetes

In the last decade, people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are living longer due to advancements in diabetes technology. However, there is little research on treating this population. This study examined health care professionals’ (HCPs) experiences in treating older adults with T1D to identify clinical and practical differences. Participants were recruited from T1D Exchange (an online diabetes community) and 11 HCPs (average time in practice: 21.5 years) were interviewed. Interview questions focused on their clinical experiences, challenges that older people experienced, and needs of this aging population that might be different from other age groups. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, independently coded by 2 coders and thematically analyzed. Themes included treatment recommendations for older adults with T1D, diabetes education, post-severe hypoglycemic event recommendations, fear of hypoglycemia, insurance, and polypharmacy. As older adults with diabetes continue to live longer, new recommendations for this age group should be considered. Specifically, treatment recommendations amongst older adults differ in glycemic target goals and HbA1c range. These recommendations are made to combat any severe hypoglycemic episodes prone to this population. There is a greater degree of neurocognitive decline which poses a greater risk for life threatening emergencies, not only in older adults but also older adults with T1D. It is the HCPs duty to prepare this population for the risks of developing certain complications associated with T1D as well as the possible dangers if the more emergent situations are not addressed promptly.