Objective: AYAs with T1D have endorsed physical, emotional, and social barriers to device use that suggest devices may negatively impact one’s identity. We examined associations between AYAs’ incorporation of T1D into identity and perceptions of diabetes technologies.
Methods: AYAs with T1D (ages 14-25 yrs, T1D ≥1 yr, eligibility A1c 7-13%) were recruited at 2 sites. AYAs completed the ADAPT (Accepting Diabetes and Personal Treatment) survey with 3 factors measuring incorporation of T1D into identity as well as validated surveys of diabetes technology attitudes and glucose monitoring satisfaction. See table for survey information.
Results: Participants were 191 AYAs (age 19.8±3.4 yrs, T1D duration 11.4±5.4 yrs, 49% male, 89% White, 86% on pump, 98% on CGM, 77% on AID, A1c 8.0±1.2%). Greater overall identity incorporation was related to lower A1c and higher % TIR (p’s <0.01). Greater overall incorporation was also related to more positive attitudes toward technology, less behavioral and emotional burden of glucose monitoring, greater feelings of freedom and device trust, and greater satisfaction with glucose monitoring (p’s <0.01). See table for details on ADAPT factors.
Conclusion: Greater incorporation of T1D into identity was associated with better glycemia and more positive perceptions of diabetes technologies reducing burden and increasing flexibility in daily life.
P.V. Commissariat: None. A.K. Schneider-Utaka: None. B. Morrissey: None. L.J. Tinsley: None. S. Hanes: None. K.K. Hood: Consultant; Cecelia Health, Sanofi. L.M. Laffel: Consultant; Dexcom, Inc. Advisory Panel; Medscape, Medtronic, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. Consultant; Novo Nordisk. Advisory Panel; Lilly Diabetes, Provention Bio, Inc., Sanofi-Aventis U.S., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MannKind Corporation.
National Institutes of Health (R01DK129479)
