In a new study from Monash University, researchers found young adults with diabetes are most likely to report having missed medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These people also have a lower intentions of receiving COVID-19 vaccination.
The team administered an internet-based survey to 5,261 U.S. adults aged 18 years or older from February to March 2021 to examine access to and use of health care, as well as experiences, attitudes, and behaviors relating to COVID-19 prevention and vaccination.
The analysis included 760 adults (14%) who reported having diabetes currently managed with medication.
The researchers found that the likelihood of reporting having missed medical care during the previous three months was increased for younger adults (ages 18 to 29 years) compared with those ages 30 to 59 years or 60 years or older (87%, 63% and 26%, respectively).
Difficulty accessing diabetes medications was reported by 44% of younger adults. Compared with adults aged 60 years or older, younger adults with diabetes reported a lower intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination (66% versus 85%).
Researchers say that adherence to diabetes care, including receiving COVID-19 vaccination, is important for managing risk for severe COVID-19 among persons with diabetes, including younger adults.
Future studies that assess factors affecting access to and use of care during the pandemic, particularly among younger persons with diabetes, could help inform tailored prevention strategies.
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The study is published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. One author of the study is Mark É. Czeisler, Ph.D.
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