1853-LB: Survey of Social Media Use in Young Adults (YA) with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Aim: YA with T1D struggle with self-care and glycemic control. Given that social media is highly used by YA, it is timely to assess its utilization in those with T1D. This survey aimed to understand current use of social media by YA with T1D and its potential to provide information and support for self-care.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team developed an electronic survey composed of questions about general and diabetes-specific social media use. The survey also queried self-reported demographics/diabetes care characteristics and diabetes distress. We identified 855 YA aged 18-25 with T1D ≥1 year from the EHR and fielded the survey electronically by email using REDCap; responders received $50 compensation. Statistics were performed using Stata.

Results: There were 245 YA (29% initial response rate) with a mean age 22.3 years; 58% were female and 87% white; 81% reported using pump therapy and 96% used CGM. Of these, 74% of responders self-reported their last A1c; mean 7.0±0.8%. Nearly all (99%) used social media; most commonly-used platforms overall and for diabetes content were Instagram (51% overall, 54% diabetes) and TikTok (28% overall, 45% diabetes). Of those using social media, 11% used it for up to 1 hour per day; 45% 1-3 hours per day; 28% 3-5 hours per day; 6% 5-8 hours per day, and 11% over 8 hours per day. The majority (85%) of social media users reported that social media rarely or never changed the way they manage their diabetes. Over 25% of social media users reported that social media is their primary source of knowledge about new diabetes technology, while fewer reported it as their primary source of diabetes information (5%) and support (7%).

Conclusion: Social media is nearly universally used by this sample of YA with T1D who are already experienced in diabetes technology use. Yet, many reported that social media was their primary source of information about new diabetes technology. Social media may be a means to further disseminate advances in diabetes management to those in need of improvement.