LAUSR

Background: Individuals with diabetes have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on the impact of COVID-19 on youth with T1D is scarce. We sought to determine the impact on youth with T1D and their families including the extent to which they experienced COVID-related disruptions and distress. Methods: The COVID-19 Exposure and Family Impact Survey (CEFIS) was administered to caregivers of youth with T1D at two comprehensive diabetes clinics in the northeast and southern U.S. Items were scored and analyzed using SPSS. Themes were coded for open-ended questions. Health data were extracted from EMR. Results: Mothers (85%) of 47 youth (72%NHW, 24%NHB, 4%H) with T1D (HbA1c M=8.3%) ranging from 6 to 17 years participated. Insulin pumps were used by 66% and CGMs by 17%. The most frequent COVID-related challenges endorsed were school/childcare closure (95.1%), education disruption (87.2%) and inability to visit/care for family (74.5%). Fewer caregivers reported difficulty accessing food (11.3%), necessary health care (9.4%), or medicine (5.7%). Areas of negative impact included child’s access to medical supplies (2.6), physical activity level and diet (M=2.7), as well as caregiver anxiety (M =3.2), mood (M =2.8), sleeping, eating, and exercise (M=2.7). Caregivers reported COVID-related distress for themselves (M=5.8) and their child (M=5.0; scale 1-10). Common themes regarding the impact of COVID-19 were increased health anxiety, limited social interaction, and routine disruption. Caregivers noted benefits in family cohesion. Both positive and negative impact on diabetes management were described by caregivers. Quotes from caregivers will be presented. Conclusions: This ongoing study highlights early findings on the impact of COVID-19 on youth and families with T1D. Clinicians and researchers should consider the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on youth with T1D and tailor diabetes care accordingly. Disclosure K. Dimentstein: None. S. Yee: None. J. M. Valenzuela: None. B. Pan: None. M. Snyder: None. R. Wolf: Consultant; Self; NEMA Research.