Top 5 Takeaways

1. Disruption in Medical Care: Younger adults with diabetes (aged 18-29) reported the highest disruption in access to and use of medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Vaccination Intent: Younger adults with diabetes showed the least intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination compared to older age groups.
3. Access to Diabetes Medications: 44% of younger adults with diabetes reported difficulty accessing diabetes medications during the pandemic.
4. Health Insurance Coverage: A significantly lower proportion of younger adults with diabetes had health insurance compared to older adults.
5. Mental Health Conditions: Younger adults with diabetes reported higher rates of mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, compared to older adults.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Catherine E. Barrett, ohi6@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Czeisler M&, Barrett CE, Siegel KR, et al. Health Care Access and Use Among Adults with Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, February–March 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1597–1602. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7046a2

Summary

This report examines how the COVID-19 pandemic affected diabetes care and management among U.S. adults. A survey of 5,261 adults, including 760 with diabetes, revealed that younger adults (18-29 years) experienced the most significant disruptions in medical care and had the lowest engagement in COVID-19 prevention, including vaccination intent. The findings highlight the need for enhanced access to diabetes care and targeted public health messaging for younger adults with diabetes.

Methods

A nonprobability, Internet-based survey was conducted among 5,261 U.S. adults aged ≥18 years during February–March 2021. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19, and access to and use of medical care. Among the respondents, 760 adults with diabetes managed by medication were analyzed. Data were weighted to match U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, and statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square tests and logit models.

Discussion

The study found that younger adults with diabetes reported higher rates of disrupted medical care, lower vaccination intent, and greater difficulty accessing diabetes medications. They also had lower health insurance coverage and higher rates of mental health conditions compared to older adults. These findings suggest that younger adults with diabetes may not fully recognize their risk for severe COVID-19 and may benefit from targeted interventions to improve diabetes management and COVID-19 prevention.

Conclusion

Efforts to enhance access to diabetes care and deliver public health messages emphasizing the importance of diabetes management and COVID-19 prevention are crucial, especially for younger adults with diabetes. Future research should focus on factors affecting access to and use of care during the pandemic to inform tailored prevention strategies.

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