Virtual Education In Adolescents And Young Adults With Diabetes: Cause For Concern?

Virtual education (VE), a recent US phenomenon, is an online substitute for traditional K-12 school. Concerns have arisen about the accountability, supervision, and academic outcomes of VE programs in comparison to traditional school settings. Little is known about the impact of VE on adolescents and young adults with type 1 or 2 diabetes (AYAWD), who may have higher risk for poorer outcomes in academic achievement due to chronic illness. Adequate educational and health care support is essential in this population, and how this translates to the VE environment is uncertain. This study provides epidemiological evidence about the prevalence of VE enrollment among AYAWD and the characteristics of this population in comparison to AYAWD enrolled in traditional school.