MON-235 Bridging the Gap: Virtual Peer Groups for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in a Transition of Care Model

Abstract Disclosure: T.Y. Hu: None. K. Craft: None. A. Reed: None. J.C. Wong: None. BACKGROUND: Adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at risk for worsening medical and psychosocial outcomes during the transition from pediatric to adult care. While virtual peer groups (VPGs) have shown promise in improving A1c, diabetes distress, and technology use, their impact on transition-related outcomes and broader clinical measures remains under-explored. The objectives of this pilot study were to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of VPGs to support transition-aged youth with T1D and to measure the effect of VPGs on clinical, psychosocial, and transition readiness outcomes in this population. METHODS: Participants were invited to attend up to six VPGs over six months, featuring education and peer interaction on young adult and diabetes-related topics. Data was analyzed using a two-sample Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney) test. RESULTS: Sixty-two participants consented to the study and forty-one participated in at least one VPG session. The median number of VPGs attended was 3.1, and thirteen participants attended all six VPG sessions. Participants had a median age of 20.6 years (range 18-28 years); 54% identified as male, 2% as transgender male, 40% as female, 2% as non-binary, and 2% as other. 48% identified as Non-Hispanic White, 26% as Hispanic White, and 14% as Black or African American; 56.4% had public insurance or no insurance. VPG attendees had a median A1c/GMI change of -0.2% (vs. +0.2% in non-attendees, p=0.004) from baseline to after the study began. At six-month follow-up, differences persisted in A1c/GMI (-0.1% vs. +0.3%, p=0.004), CGM time in range (+0.5% vs. -7.0%, p=0.034), and average glucose (-6 mg/dL vs. +34 mg/dL, p=0.010). More VPG sessions attended correlated with greater A1c/GMI improvement (p=0.047). VPG participation was associated with improved adherence to quarterly diabetes visits (p=0.042) and increased scheduling of or attending a new adult diabetes care visit (p=0.042). No significant differences were observed between participants who attended VPGs and those who did not in rates for diabetes-related emergencies, transition readiness, diabetes distress, and resilience. CONCLUSIONS: VPGs show promise as a feasible, acceptable, and impactful intervention to support transition and glycemic outcomes in young adults with T1D. Given the accessibility of a virtual platform combined with a favorable provider to participant ratio, VPGs offer a practical solution to reaching and engaging young adults during this high-risk transition period. Further studies in participants from other specific populations would be beneficial to tailor each groups’ unique needs, such as individuals with type 2 diabetes or from different communities. Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025