Introduction and Objective: Emerging adults (EAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face elevated A1c levels and diabetes distress. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) improve outcomes, but little is known about CGM breaks – particularly during this developmental period. Using mixed methods, we investigated the prevalence, drivers, behaviors during, and impacts of CGM breaks through surveys and interviews with EAs and their support persons (SPs; friend/family member).Methods: EAs (age 18-24) with T1D and their SPs in California and Utah enrolled in an RCT of a self-management support intervention. We invited 20 dyads to complete interviews, separately (8/2024-9/2025). Interviews asked about CGM data sharing relationships, including risks, benefits, and ground rules. We conducted thematic analysis followed by comparative analyses to assess prevalence of themes by SP relationship type (parent or peer).Results: EA CGM users mean age was 21.0±2.2 years; 56% were female, 56% non-Hispanic white, 27% Hispanic, and 28% underinsured. Interviewed SPs were 50% male; 50% parents, 45% partners, 5% friends. In survey data, 60% of EAs reported breaks >24 hours in the past 3 months (35% lasting 1-3 days; 47% 4-6 days; 18% ≥1 week); 64% reported glucose checks ≤2x daily during breaks. Only 14% reported their breaks were chosen. Interviews suggest breaks were driven by multiple factors. Each factor was categorized as forced (technology issues, pharmacy supply, insurance problems), chosen (burnout, frustration), or mixed (skin issues, application). EAs reported breaks negatively impacted their emotions (anxiety, frustration), diabetes management (high/low glucose, forgetting checks), and daily life (sleep, physical activity). SPs were purposely more engaged during breaks.Conclusion: CGM breaks are common and often forced among EAs with T1D. Breaks disrupt glucose monitoring, emotions, and daily life. Support is needed to reduce, prepare for, and manage T1D during breaks in this critical developmental stage. Findings add to the extremely limited knowledge on CGM breaks.
L.S. Mayberry: None. E.T. Negussie: None. S.A. Boyd: None. E. Bergner: None. M. Roddy: None. E. Ellis: None. J. Raymond: None. C.A. Berg: None. D. Wiebe: None.
Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (R-2203-05822)
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