1113-P: COVID-19 Avoidance Behaviors in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

The WHO and CDC have issued guidance documents on COVID-19 avoidance behaviors. People susceptible to severe disease, such as people with diabetes, should strictly follow these recommendations. We conducted a survey of Covid-19 avoidance behaviors in individuals with and without type 1 diabetes (T1D). We invited participants with and without T1D who are part of complications research cohorts at the Barbara Davis Center to answer an online survey regarding their exposure to COVID-19 and their behaviors to reduce their risk of infection. A total of 321 participants (162 without diabetes [non-DM], 159 with T1D) completed the initial survey. The average ± SD age was 55±12 years (range 29 to 83 years), and 65% of participants were female. The reported prevalence of an illness like COVID-19 was 20% in adults with T1D and 27% in non-DM adults (p=0.13). Participants with T1D were less likely to report hand washing, avoiding gatherings, canceling travel, wearing a mask, avoiding touching people, wiping down surfaces and following government guidelines (Table). In multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with fewer protective behaviors included younger age, male sex, and T1D (p=0.0005). Despite being at high risk for severe Covid-19 disease, adults with T1D were less likely to report behaviors known to reduce the risk of contracting this illness. These data suggest a need for further education in this high-risk population. Disclosure C. J. Chartier-logan: None. E. Eikermann: None. H. K. Wise: None. E. Malecha: None. J. K. Snell-bergeon: Stock/Shareholder; Self; GlaxoSmithKline plc.