56-LB: “They did not anticipate anybody living a full life with type 1”—Perspectives on Aging with Type 1 Diabetes

People with type 1 diabetes are living longer and in 2030, 1/5 of the U.S. population will be older adults - 65 years of age and older. This study addressed the scarcity of research on the experiences of aging people with type 1 diabetes. All participants were recruited from T1D Exchange, an online community for individuals with type 1 diabetes. Nineteen older adults with diabetes (average age = 65.63, SD = 6.27 years, average type 1 diabetes duration = 36.97, SD = 18.94 years) were interviewed. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed by two independent coders. Participants described their disease management challenges, and gaps in available resources. Themes included positive and negative changes over their lifespan due to advancements in technology and knowledge, diabetes micro-management strategies, hypoglycemia unawareness, diabetes psychological health, and lack of diabetes resources about aging. Also, a lack of support may promote poor health outcomes and diabetes distress. Additional research should be conducted to better understand the needs of this population and what federal and state policies can be created or tailored to support them.