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. 2023 Apr 29;13(1):7026.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-33746-3.

Self-care barriers and facilitators in older adults with T1D during a time of sudden isolation

Medha Munshi  1   2   3 , Christine Slyne  4 , Katie Weinger  4 , Sarah Sy  4 , Kayla Sifre  4 , Amy Michals  4 , Dai'Quann Davis  4 , Rachel Dewar  4 , Astrid Atakov-Castillo  4 , Saira Haque  5 , M Stirling Cummings  5 , Stephen L Brown  5 , Elena Toschi  4   6   7
Affiliations

Self-care barriers and facilitators in older adults with T1D during a time of sudden isolation

Medha Munshi et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have unique challenges and needs. In this mixed-methods study, we explored the impact of isolation during a pandemic on diabetes management and overall quality of life in this population. Older adults (age ≥ 65 years) with T1D receiving care at a tertiary care diabetes center participated in semi-structured interviews during COVID-19 pandemic isolation between June and August 2020. A multi-disciplinary team coded transcripts and conducted thematic analysis. Thirty-four older adults (age 71 ± 5 years, 97% non-Hispanic white, diabetes duration of 38 ± 7 years, A1C of 7.4 ± 0.9% (57.3 ± 10.1 mmol/mol) were recruited. Three themes related to diabetes self-care emerged regarding impact of isolation on: (1) diabetes management and self-care behaviors (how isolation prompted changes in physical activity and dietary habits); (2) emotional stress and anxiety (related to isolation and lack of support system, economic concerns); and (3) concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic (impact on timely medical care and access to information). Our findings identify modifiable barriers and challenges faced by older adults with T1D during isolation. As this population has a higher risk of decline in physical and psychosocial support even during non-pandemic times, clinicians will benefit from understanding these issues to improve care of this population.

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Conflict of interest statement

MNM: Consultant for Sanofi. CS: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. KW: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. SS: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. KS: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. AM: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. DD: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. RD: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. AAC: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. SH: Current employee and shareholder at Pfizer. SC: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. SLB: No conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported. ET: Consultant for Medtronic.

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