(P213) T1D in Communities of Color Initiative: Insights on Screening, Access, and Bias

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D), particularly those from minoritized communities, often remain unheard within the healthcare ecosystem. This poster outlines how national virtual focus groups conducted by the National Minority Quality Forum’s Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity engaged individuals living with T1D, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates to explore their lived experiences. Participants identified critical barriers, including delayed diagnosis, limited access to mental health support, and inequities in diabetes technology. Findings underscore the need for evidence-informed strategies that emphasize culturally responsive education, expanded access to DSMES, reduction of implicit bias, and meaningful community engagement. These approaches are essential to advancing equitable, person-centered care for historically underserved populations affected by T1D.