1109-P: Barriers and Facilitators to Use of Continuous Glucose Monitors for Type 2 Diabetes in Youth

Abstract

Objective: Youth-onset type 2 diabetes, most common among racial/ethnic minorities, threatens to widen health disparities due to severe complications in early adulthood and a 15-year reduction in life expectancy. Use of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) improves diabetes management in adults with type 2 diabetes, but socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities in diabetes technology use remain. We sought to examine factors impacting the acceptability of CGM use in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this single center study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with AYA with type 2 diabetes and their parents to determine attitudes about CGM use, including barriers and facilitators. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and evaluated using thematic analysis. Results: Twenty AYA and 10 parents participated (n=30 total). AYA were mean age 16.5 years (SD 2.2, range 13.7-20.1) and had median diabetes duration of 1.3 years. Most were female (65%) and minority race/ethnicity (40% non-Hispanic Black; 10% Hispanic; 5% Asian). Seven (35%) used CGM. The primary benefit elicited was convenience over glucometer use. Important barriers included the impact of physically wearing the device and drawing unwanted attention, desire for AYA privacy, and adequate education about the device. Discussion: In this diverse sample of AYA with type 2 diabetes and their parents, CGMs were generally regarded as convenient, although concerns about worsening stigma and conflict with parents were prevalent. Our findings can guide the development of patient-centered approaches to CGM use for AYA with type 2 diabetes, a critical step toward reducing inequities in diabetes technology uptake. Disclosure V.Peyyety: None. M.Zupa: None. B.Hewitt: None. A.Rodriguez gonzalez: None. I.Mani: None. T.Prioleau: None. J.L.Mccurley: None. Y.Lin: None. M.Vajravelu: None. Funding Endocrine Fellows Foundation; National Institutes of Health (K23HL157763, K23DK129724, KL2TR001856, K23DK125719, UL1-TR-001857)