While the healthcare aspects of chronic conditions have been well researched, the issues experienced in the workplace for emerging adults with chronic conditions are less understood. With the increase in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and changing technology for self-management, such research is essential. This qualitative study integrates Arnett’s features of emerging adulthood with a social-ecological approach to explore the workplace environment and workplace relationships on T1D management among emerging adults. Participants (n = 12) were assigned into two focus groups that were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants were 24 ± 2.24 years old with a mean hemoglobin A1c of 7.9 ± 2.65. Using a thematic analysis four themes were identified: sharing information about their T1D in the workplace, dealing with workplace T1D discrimination, keeping up workplace appearances, and receiving and accepting support in the workplace. Creating an inclusive workplace environment with protective policies may open communication and improve the well-being of those with T1D.

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Aim: There are many challenges to navigating young adulthood with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health, particularly in young adults (YA) who may already struggle to find structure and support. Methods: Surveys were distributed electronically to YA with T1D (ages 17-30) associated with the College Diabetes Network, a nonprofit organization serving YA with diabetes, in Spring and Fall 2020. Participants in each cohort were asked to rate their worry about contracting COVID-19 (scale of 1-5, 5=”very worried”), and report current diagnoses of depression or anxiety by a healthcare professional (yes/no). T-tests and chi-square tests examined the differences in reported COVID-19 worry, anxiety, and depression from Spring to Fall, as well as the association between worry and diagnosed depression/anxiety at both time points. Results: Participants were demographically similar at both time points ((M±SD) Spring: n=468, age 22.1±2.7 years, 82% female, 84% white; Fall: n=375, 22.4±3.2 years, 79% female, 82% white; p>.10). Overall, participants endorsed significantly more COVID-19 worry in Fall than in Spring (3.57±1.1 vs. 3.29±1.4; p<.001). Self-reported anxiety diagnoses showed an increasing trend from Spring to Fall (p=.065), while self-reported depression diagnoses showed no change between time points (p>.10). Participants with a pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety or depression endorsed significantly more COVID-19 worry than those without a mental health diagnosis at both time points during the pandemic (Spring: anxiety p=.012, depression p=.031; Fall: anxiety: p=.001, depression: p=.004). Conclusions: YA with T1D endorse more worry about contracting COVID-19 as the pandemic progresses, with an upward trend in anxiety diagnoses. Worry was exacerbated in those with a pre-existing mental health condition. These results underscore the need for greater support for YA with T1D, to reduce COVID-19 related worry and protect mental health outcomes. Disclosure P. V. Commissariat: None. D. St. pierre: None. A. Sabino: None. S. Lee: None. J. Saylor: None.

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Every year 1.5 million individuals are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with an expected increase of 1.8% each year. Independent diabetes management may present unique challenges for young adults with T1DM transitioning to the workplace. In this qualitative study, we explore the experiences of young professionals living with T1DM (20-30 years old) as they launch their professional careers and transition to adulthood while living with a chronic condition. We conducted two in-person focus groups with subjects at the College Diabetes Network in Boston, MA during a weekend retreat. After obtaining informed consent, the 12 participants (5 males, 7 females) attending were randomly selected into each focus group that lasted approximately 60 minutes. Subjects were 24±2.24 years old on average with a mean hemoglobin A1c of 7.9±2.65. Time since T1DM diagnosis ranged from 3 to 20 years with a mean of 9±5.68 years. All but one subject used a pump and continuous glucose monitor for T1DM management. Four subjects were current students (2 undergraduate, 2 graduate) and 8 were employed after completing their bachelor's degrees. Four researchers conducted a thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts. We followed Merriam’s (2009) qualitative analysis process of open coding, axial coding, and establishing consensus among coders. Five main themes emerged from the focus groups including (1) challenges around disclosure of T1DM in professional settings, (2) support from family, friends, and workplace, (3) accommodations for T1DM in college and the workplace, (4) benefits and challenges associated with diabetes management technology, and (5) having a sense of ownership of T1DM. The theme of T1DM management ownership in the current study goes beyond illness management behaviors to being part of the person’s identity and body image. Results have important implications for young professionals with T1DM launching professional careers. Disclosure J. Saylor: None. J.B. Yorgason: None. M.A. Millett: None. A.L. Jackson: None. M. Ness: None. A. Floreen Sabino: None.