Young Adults with Diabetes More Likely to Delay Medical Care During the Pandemic

They also report the lowest intention of getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Between November 2020 and February 2021, nearly 9 in 10 (87%) adults with diabetes 18–29 years old reported having missed medical care, and more than 2 in 5 (44%) reported difficulty accessing diabetes medications, researchers reported in the November 19, 2021, issue of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Also, 1 in 4 (26%) young adults with diabetes reported no intention in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

For this report, researchers from CDC and its partners analyzed data from US adults who completed the COVID-19 Outbreak Public Evaluation Initiative internet-based surveys during February and March 2021. Respondents self-reported having diabetes and answered questions on demographics, attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19, and access to and utilization of medical care (health care or telemedicine visits, delayed care, and loss of health insurance).

Consistent diabetes care and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 are needed to lower the risk of severe COVID-19 illness among people with diabetes of all ages. Likewise, daily diabetes management and regular checkups are essential for effective lifetime diabetes care. Learn more about living well with diabetes and preventing diabetes complications.