669-P: How Do Emerging Adults (EAs) with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Seek Self-Care Information?

Aim: As EAs with T1D become independent in self-care, they often confront diabetes management challenges. We sought to assess ways in which EAs seek information when faced with uncertainty in their diabetes care.

Methods: EAs (ages 18-25) with T1D participated in a qualitative study regarding their experiences of transitioning to self-management. In semi-structured interviews, participants were asked, “Tell me more about how you look for answers when you’re not sure what to do [in your diabetes management].” De-identified interview transcripts were analyzed using directed qualitative content analysis.

Results: Interviews were conducted with 24 participants, mean age 21.5 ± 1.8 years; 46% were male, 42% female, 13% trans/non-binary; 75% identified as non-Hispanic white. Mean age at diagnosis was 10.0 ± 6.3 years; 71% reported A1c <8%. Many used technology with 83% using pumps and 96% using CGM. Two main themes emerged regarding information sources, endorsed roughly equally by participants: (1) Seek out people with lived experience of T1D (either personal acquaintances or online) as the best knowledge source, (2) Identify people with formal education/training about diabetes management (e.g. clinical providers, device companies) for most reliable information. Two sub-themes emerged regarding verification of information from non-medical professionals: (1a) Look for agreement across multiple sources, and (1b) Differentiate between universal and individualized aspects of diabetes management.

Conclusion: While many EAs with T1D seek others with personal lived experience of T1D to problem-solve self-care challenges, others prefer to rely on people with formal education/training. Clinicians/educators should consider ways to offer virtual opportunities for EAs to seek support for their self-care between clinical encounters. Online forums may offer a way for EAs with T1D to connect. Providers can help EAs learn how to evaluate the reliability of their information sources.