Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The rapid progression in diabetes related technology should in theory make it easier to self-manage diabetes. Previous studies have shown an improvement in glycaemic control and reduced disease burden. However young people show less sustained use of technology, with potential barriers hypothesised as body image difficulties, perception of standing out from peers and not wishing to have devices attached. This study aims to explore the reasons young people choose not to wear glucose monitoring devices, and understand the daily impact on those who do choose to wear them.

Method: Young people aged 12–18 years with type one diabetes attending the Southern Health and Social Care Trust were invited to complete a validated questionnaire, either online or in person while attending outpatient clinic.

Results: 95 young people completed questionnaire, average age 14.4 years. 9.5% young people currently only use a glucometer. 1 young person has never trialled any device. The reasons identified for discontinuing use were dislike of having a device attached, the impact of others seeing this, concerns with accuracy and skin reactions. 47% used freestyle libre 2, 34% used Dexcom G6, and the remainder used a guardian link or alternative. For those using these devices improvements in independence (92%) and confidence (86%) were reported. There was also a positive impact on diabetes management in school (96%) and when with friends (92%). 72% reported worry about how diabetes could affect them in the future. 38% of young people felt their current diabetes management would impact on their future. 28% would like more education to reduce potential complications.

Conclusions: Sustaining use of diabetes related technology remains challenging for adolescent population. Reasons identified were dislike of having a device attached, the impact of others seeing this, concerns with accuracy and skin reactions. Concerns regarding the potential impact of diabetes on future health are reported, but doesn’t correlate with a wish for further education. A focus group with young people is planned to further explore the themes identified from questionnaire results. Also a validated questionnaire and focus group for parents and carers will explore the impact on parents and carers.