695-P: Emotional Burden of Diabetes Varies by Demographic Factors, Management Strategies, and Duration of Diabetes

Abstract

The impact of diabetes on emotional well-being is well founded in the literature, though research on who experiences the brunt of this burden is lacking. The present study aims to quantify the emotional burden of diabetes and investigate the relationship between demographic factors, diabetes management, and severity of diabetes burden. From October-December 2022, 10,338 adults living with diabetes in the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, and U.K. took an online survey in which they reported their diabetes technology and therapy usage and demographic information. Respondents also answered four 7-point questions about the effort and motivation behind their diabetes management and the degree to which they feel overwhelmed or burnt out by their diabetes. These items were averaged to create a composite variable on emotional burden (α = 0.85, M= 3.43, SD = 1.51). Subsequent responses were analyzed using SPSS; all significant findings are reported at p<0.05. Severity of emotional burden varies across several health-related and demographic factors. Respondents with T1D experience higher levels of emotional burden relative to those with T2D. Emotional burden is lowest among those who have had diabetes for 20 years or more and among those with an A1c ≤ 7%. People with diabetes in Canada report the highest severity, while those in Germany report the lowest. Emotional burden also varies by therapy and technology usage. CGM users experience greater emotional burden than non-users; however, there were no differences among pump users. Additionally, T2s on insulin experienced a greater degree of emotional burden than T2s not on insulin therapy. This research reveals several disparities in the mental burden of diabetes and suggests a link between intensity and duration of diabetes management and burden severity. Additional research is needed to identify avenues for support and burden reduction, targeted towards at-risk groups. Disclosure E.Cox: Employee; dQ&A. A.Zeng: Employee; dQ&A. E.Lin: Employee; dQ&A. E.Xu: Employee; dQ&A. T.Bell: Employee; dQ&A. T.L.Bristow: Employee; dQ&A.