Abstract
Introduction: While it is widely recognized that T1D can interfere with daily activities, the extent and impact of these disruptions are poorly understood. Using FEEL-T1D study data, we examined how T1D interfered with daily activities, and the association between activity disruptions, illness intrusiveness, and diabetes-related quality of life (DQoL). Methods: FEEL-T1D prompted 14 days of surveys via smartphone at 3-hr intervals 5-6x/day. At each survey, participants indicated what activity they were doing, their activity performance and satisfaction, and whether/how T1D interfered with the activity. At end-of-day, they noted activities they could not do due to T1D. At study end, participants completed the T1D and Life (T1DAL) measure of DQoL and Adapted Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale (AIIRS). Descriptive statistics and multilevel regressions were used to identify daily activity disruptions and their associations with DQoL and illness intrusiveness. Results: Overall, 190 participants (40±14 yrs old, 54% female, 29% White, 40% Hispanic/Latinx, 31% other) completed 14,387 momentary surveys, of which 12.1% indicated activity disruptions, most often personal care (16.1% disrupted), sleep (14.6%), and housework/errands (13.4%). Participants were unable to do desired activities due to T1D on 8.2% of days, most often housework/errands (3.8% of days), work/school, personal care, and leisure (2.6% for each). Performance and satisfaction were poorer for disrupted vs. non-disrupted activities (p<.0001). Those with more activity disruptions had greater illness intrusiveness (p<.0001) and lower DQoL (p<.0001). Discussion: T1D-related activity disruptions are common and associated with poorer activity performance/satisfaction, more illness intrusiveness, and lower DQoL. Validating the impact of T1D on daily activities, and seeking strategies to minimize this impact, may improve QoL for adults with T1D.