Megan E. Peter, PhD, Emilee M. Cornelius, MPH, Jaime C. Lucove, MSPH, Madison T. White, BS, Wendy A. Wolf, PhD 

Introduction and Objective: People with T1D require medications, supplies, and regular healthcare services to meet glycemic targets. Out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance plan, and financial strain may vary by socioeconomic resources. We explored financial strain of T1D and its associations with demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods: In an online survey of adults with T1D in the T1D Exchange Online Registry, participants reported most recent HbA1c (%), treatment for anxiety and depression in past year (yes/no), history of severe hypoglycemic event (SHE) and DKA in past year (yes/no), insurance satisfaction (3 items, 6-point scale: 1=very dissatisfied, 6=very satisfied), and financial strain (4 items, 6-point scale: 1=strongly disagree, 6=strongly agree). Using Pearson’s correlations and t-tests, we assessed variables associated with one item (“Caring for T1D put a financial strain on me”).

Results: We included 1,267 participants (75% female, 92% White, 78% Private health insurance, 75% ≥ Bachelor’s degree); 54% agreed that T1D put a financial strain on them. Higher financial strain was associated with higher HbA1c; lower income, education, and insurance satisfaction; female gender, non-White race, anxiety, depression, SHE, and DKA.

Conclusion: In adults with T1D, financial strain is common and may interfere with ability to meet glycemic targets.

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