ODP163 Association of HbA1c and Comfort with Diabetes Self-Management Among Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Glycemic targets are not met by many individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D), especially among adolescents and young adults (AYA). To date, research is limited regarding comfort with diabetes self-management in this vulnerable demographic preparing to transition from pediatric to adult care. The purpose of this study was to examine levels of self-reported comfort with diabetes management tasks among AYA with T1D, and to describe the relationships among comfort levels, sociodemographic factors, and HbA1c. As a part of a quality improvement initiative at an academic pediatric hospital, AYA aged 15-23 years old with T1D received a transition survey to self-assess their comfort level with sixteen different diabetes management tasks on a 5-point Likert scale during a routine diabetes care visit. A chart review was subsequently performed to obtain sociodemographic factors and HbA1c. Among 161 participants who completed the survey (median age 17, median diabetes duration 7 years, 82.3% white, 59% female, 66.5% with private insurance, and median HbA1c 8.8%), comfort with diabetes management tasks was generally rated highly (median overall comfort level of 4.5 out of 5) and did not differ by race or insurance type. Regression analysis revealed that higher self-reported comfort level with diabetes management tasks was associated with a higher HbA1c (p=0.006), after controlling for age, sex, race, insurance type, and diabetes duration. These findings suggested that self-reported comfort with independently managing T1D may not be a sufficient metric in assessing AYA patients’ need for further intervention to optimize glycemic outcomes as they transition from pediatric to adult providers, and highlighted the importance of continuity of care to optimize diabetes management during this transitional period. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 1:06 p.m. - 1:11 p.m.