Use of technology when assessing adherence to diabetes self-management behaviors

A randomized controlled clinical trial to improve health outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes: Study design and baseline characteristics

Most adolescents with T1D do not meet glycemic recommendations or consistently perform the required self-management behaviors to prevent acute- and long-term deleterious health outcomes. In addition, most youth with T1D do not have access to behavioral health services to address T1D management barriers. Thus, delivering behavioral interventions during routine medical appointments may hold promise for improving T1D outcomes in adolescents. The overall objective of this study was to examine the effect of behavioral interventions, either a Personalized T1D Self-Management Behaviors Feedback Report or Problem-Solving Skills, delivered by a T1D behavioral health provider and a T1D medical provider during a joint, fully integrated appointment to improve health outcomes in youth with T1D. This paper describes the study rationale, design, and baseline characteristics for the 109 adolescent-caregiver dyads who participated. Primary and secondary outcomes include hemoglobin A1c (A1C), T1D self-management behaviors, and biological indicators of complications.

Adherence Factors Related to Exercise Prescriptions in Healthcare Settings: A Review of the Scientific Literature

Purpose: Physical activity on prescription (PAP) is being introduced in healthcare systems around the world. To apply a successful treatment is as important as to know if the patient is able to follow-up. In order to contribute to the development of effective PAP strategies, we have analyzed PAP-related adherence factors with a multi-dimensional approach. Methods PAP adherence factors in studies published in the WoS, Pubmed, and PsycInfo were reviewed, according to the WHO five dimensions adherence model. In a setting of prediction or adherence analysis of adults with high-risk factors or chronic diseases, the methods used to measure physical activity (PA), PAP treatments, PAP adherence, and mentioned theories related to human behavior change were analyzed. Results A total of 32 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. According to the WHO five dimensions adherence model, these total clustered adherence variables were observed: social/economic (n = 100), healthcare system/healthcare team (n = 18), condition-related (n = 61), therapy-related (n = 20), and patient-related (n = 47). PAP adherence has mainly been measured by adherence to measurement methods and by calculating attended versus total sessions scheduled. PA level was measured mainly by questionnaires and exercise referrals were the most frequent PAP resource in analyzed studies. Transtheoretical model of behavior change was the theory most referenced. Conclusion A lack of considering health system/healthcare-team factors and therapy-related factors has been identified, as most studies only analyze social/economic factors in non-pharmacological PAP adherence studies in healthcare settings. A multidimensional approach should be adopted to analyze PAP adherence in healthcare settings.

Evaluating Feasibility of Personal Diabetes Device Data Collection for Research

BACKGROUND

Diabetes devices, like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), capture and store patient adherence and utilization data that can be retrieved or downloaded providing objective information on self-management behaviors; yet, diabetes device data remain underutilized in research.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine the usability and feasibility of personal diabetes device data collected using a clinical download platform retooled for research purposes.

METHODS

Investigators evaluated the feasibility of raw diabetes device data collection. One hundred eight preteens and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and their parents provided consent/assent.

RESULTS

Data were successfully collected from the diabetes devices (insulin pumps and CGM) of 97 youth using a clinical download software adapted for research, including data from all three commercially available CGM systems and insulin pumps brands, which contained all current and previous models of each insulin pump brand. The time required to download, mode of connection, and process varied significantly between brands. Despite the use of an agnostic download software, some outdated device brands and cloud-based CGM data were unsupported during data collection. Within the download software, dummy clinical accounts were created for each study participant, which were then linked back to a master study account for data retrieval. Raw device data were extracted into seven to eight Excel files per participant, which were then used to develop aggregate daily measures.

DISCUSSION

Our analysis is the first of its kind to examine the feasibility of raw diabetes device data using a clinical download software. The investigators highlight issues encountered throughout the research process, along with mitigating strategies to inform future inquiry.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility of raw data collection, from a wide variety of insulin pump and CGM brands, through the retooling of a clinical download software. Data from these personal devices provide a unique opportunity to study self-management behavior and the glycemic response of individuals in their everyday environments.

Pump It Up! A randomized clinical trial to optimize insulin pump self-management behaviors in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) must engage in a variety of complex and burdensome self-management behaviors daily to maintain near normal blood glucose levels and prevent complications. There is a need for interventions to improve use of sophisticated diabetes technologies, such as insulin pumps, during adolescence - a very high-risk developmental period for individuals with T1D. All diabetes devices, including insulin pumps, store large amounts of behavioral data that can be downloaded and analyzed to evaluate adherence to recommended T1D self-management behaviors. The overall objective of the present study, Pump it Up!, was to use objectively downloaded insulin pump data to inform and test two interventions to optimize insulin pump use in adolescents with T1D and their caregivers. Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) was used to achieve the overall goal of this study - to separately test the main effect of the Pump It Up! Personalized T1D Self-Management Behaviors Feedback Report and the main effect of Pump It Up! Problem-Solving Skills intervention to improve T1D self-management behaviors using a 2 × 2 factorial design. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Pump It Up! study design and rationale, and participant baseline characteristics. Longitudinal data analyses will be conducted, and moderating effects of psychosocial factors will be examined in relation to primary (insulin pump self-management behaviors) and secondary (A1C) outcomes.

Medication Adherence During Adjunct Therapy With Statins and ACE Inhibitors in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Suboptimal adherence to insulin treatment is a main issue in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. However, to date, there are no available data on adherence to adjunct noninsulin medications in this population. Our aim was to assess adherence to ACE inhibitors and statins and explore potential determinants in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

There were 443 adolescents with type 1 diabetes recruited into the Adolescent Type 1 Diabetes Cardio-Renal Intervention Trial (AdDIT) and exposed to treatment with two oral drugs-an ACE inhibitor and a statin-as well as combinations of both or placebo for 2-4 years. Adherence was assessed every 3 months with the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) and pill count.

RESULTS

Median adherence during the trial was 80.2% (interquartile range 63.6-91.8) based on MEMS and 85.7% (72.4-92.9) for pill count. Adherence based on MEMS and pill count dropped from 92.9% and 96.3%, respectively, at the first visit to 76.3% and 79.0% at the end of the trial. The percentage of study participants with adherence ≥75% declined from 84% to 53%. A good correlation was found between adherence based on MEMS and pill count (r = 0.82, P < 0.001). Factors associated with adherence were age, glycemic control, and country.

CONCLUSIONS

We report an overall good adherence to ACE inhibitors and statins during a clinical trial, although there was a clear decline in adherence over time. Older age and suboptimal glycemic control at baseline predicted lower adherence during the trial, and, predictably, reduced adherence was more prevalent in subjects who subsequently dropped out.

Executive Functions and Adherence to Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has a beneficial impact on diabetes control; however, its utilization within people with diabetes remains low. The success of CGM requires cluster of cognitive skills and executive functions (EF). We speculated that participants with high EF would be more adherent to CGM use. Materials and Methods: The study population included 85 children and adolescents between 5 and 18 years old being followed for type 1 diabetes. Participants and their parents completed three questionnaires-"Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function" (BRIEF), CGM satisfaction, and a questionnaire assessing reasons for discontinuing CGM use. Results: Sixty-one participants used CGM on a regular basis and 24 discontinued use. Adherent participants were significantly younger than participants with nonadherence to CGM (P = 0.011). No significant differences were found between gender, diabetes duration, or HbA1c. Females adhering to CGM had a significantly higher "organization of environment" skill than those with nonadherence to CGM (P = 0.023). Also, adherent participants older than 14 years had a higher "organization of environment" skill than participants with nonadherence to CGM (P = 0.032). No difference was found between the groups in other EF domains. Alarm fatigue was found to be the main reason for discontinuing CGM. Conclusions: Given the interplay between CGM adherence and EF, it is recommended that people with diabetes should receive training by a multidisciplinary team, including psychological counseling, before CGM use and thus preparing them to cope with the demands of CGM and to avoid false expectations.

Pediatric diabetes in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and potential solutions. A review article

Diabetes in children has increased globally, and the World Health Organization ranks Saudi Arabia 7th in prevalence and 5th in incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents has been identified in Saudi Arabia but its prevalence is still unknown. Despite advances in diabetes management including new insulins, insulin delivery systems, glucose monitoring and easy access to media for disease awareness, diabetes in children continues to be challenging in many aspects. Problems include delayed diagnosis, suboptimal glycemic control, early and late disease complications, transition from pediatric to adult care and raising of obesity and T2D, poor psychological and school support. This review summarizes the pediatric and adolescent diabetes studies in Saudi Arabia to date and explores the country-specific treatment challenges and potential solutions.

THE ASSOCIATION OF DECREASED SERUM GDNF LEVEL WITH HYPERGLYCEMIA AND DEPRESSION IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Objective: Comorbidity of diabetes and depression is a critical problem. Decreased glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been demonstrated in depression, but no evidence of a relationship between GDNF and diabetes has been shown. The present studies were designed to investigate the relationship between GDNF and metabolism. Methods: In Study 1, we performed a case-control study in which subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), prediabetes (p-DM), and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were included. In Study 2, we performed a cross-sectional study in 296 patients having pre-existing diabetes in whom the levels of serum GDNF, blood glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, body mass index, scores from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the EuroQol-5 scale, and the diabetes distress scale were measured, as well as single-nucleotide polymorphisms of GDNF including rs884344, rs3812047, and rs2075680. Results: In Study 1, serum GDNF concentration was significantly lower in the T2DM group than in the NGT group (NGT: 11.706 ± 3.918 pg/mL; p-DM: 10.736 ± 3.722 pg/mL; type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM group]: 9.884 ± 2.804 pg/mL, P = .008). In Study 2, significantly decreased serum GDNF levels were observed in subjects with poor glycemic control or depression (glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] <7.0% without depression: 11.524 ± 2.903 pg/mL; HbA1c ≥7.0% without depression: 10.625 ± 2.577 pg/mL; HbA1c <7.0% with depression: 10.355 ± 2.432 pg/mL; HbA1c ≥7.0% with depression: 8.824 ± 2.102 pg/mL, P = .008). Double-factor variance analysis showed that glycemic control and depression were independent factors for the GDNF level. Moreover, the serum GDNF level was significantly inversely associated with the fasting plasma glucose, 2 hours postprandial plasma glucose, HbA1c, and PHQ-9 score. Conclusion: Glycemic dysregulation was an independent factor for the GDNF level. These findings suggest that GDNF level might be involved in the pathophysiology of T2DM and depression through various pathways. Abbreviations: BP = blood pressure; CHO = cholesterol; DDS = diabetes distress scale; DM = diabetes mellitus; EQ-5D = the health-related dimensions of the EuroQol-5 scale; FPG = fasting plasma glucose; GDNF = glial-derived neurotrophic factor; HbA1c = glycated hemoglobin; HDL = high-density lipoprotein; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; NGT = normal glucose tolerance; PHQ-9 = Patient Health Questionnaire; p-DM = prediabetes; PPG = postprandial plasma glucose; SNP = single-nucleotide polymorphism; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus; TG = triglyceride.

Empowerment of patients with type 2 diabetes: current perspectives

Patient empowerment is a continuous process in which knowledge, motivation, and capacity to take control of their disease are built within a person. This concept is not always well understood and applied. This review describes the strategies to induce empowerment in patients with diabetes. In addition, the most common scales used to evaluate empowerment in diabetes is described. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the empowerment-based interventions for improving metabolic control and diabetes knowledge are described. Finally, we discuss opportunities for empowerment implementation in clinical practice and current needs on research that can be translated into public policies.

Stressful Life Events in Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes in the U.S. T1D Exchange Clinic Registry

PURPOSE

The purpose was to test associations among stressful life events, frequency of missed insulin doses, and glycemic control in young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

DESIGN

The study was a cross-sectional descriptive secondary analysis.

METHODS

Data from 2,921 participants (ages 18-26 years) in the U.S. T1D Exchange Clinic Registry were analyzed. Report of a stressful life event was defined as one or more positive responses on a 17-item stressful life events index and defined as a dichotomous variable (yes or no). Frequency of missed insulin doses was measured using a single self-report item and collapsed into two levels (fewer than three times a week, three or more times a week). The glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level recorded at the time of enrollment was used to assess glycemic control.

FINDINGS

Nearly half (48.6%) of the participants reported having a stressful life event during the previous year. The most frequently reported stressful life events were problems at work or school (16.1%), serious arguments with family members or a close friend (15.2%), and financial problems in the family (13.8%). Compared to the participants not reporting stressful life events, those who reported stressful life events were more likely to be older, female, with a higher educational attainment level, and not working or unemployed. Those who reported a stressful life event were more likely than those who did not to say they typically missed insulin doses at least three times a week and less likely to say they typically missed insulin doses fewer than three times a week (p < .001 adjusted for age, sex, race or ethnicity, educational attainment level, duration of T1D diagnosis, and insulin delivery method). Mean A1c level was higher for the group who reported having a stressful life event in the past 12 months compared to the group who did not (8.7 ± 1.8% vs. 8.2 ± 1.6%; adjusted p < .001). The results of a mediation analysis suggest that the measure of frequency of missed insulin doses may be a mediator of the relationship between recent stressful life events and glycemic control (Sobel test: ab = .841, 95% confidence interval = 0.064-1.618).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that, for young adults with T1D, the experience of stressful life events may increase their risk for poorer glycemic control, possibly by disrupting adherence with insulin doses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Further exploration of these relationships may allow for the potential for identifying those at risk and assisting them with more positive approaches to managing stressful events.

Characterization of Exercise and Alcohol Self-Management Behaviors of Type 1 Diabetes Patients on Insulin Pump Therapy

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of systematic ways to analyze how diabetes patients use their insulin pumps to self-manage blood glucose to compensate for alcohol ingestion and exercise. The objective was to analyze "real-life" insulin dosing decisions occurring in conjunction with alcohol intake and exercise among patients using insulin pumps.

METHODS

We recruited adult type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients on insulin pump therapy. Participants were asked to maintain their daily routines, including those related to exercising and consuming alcohol, and keep a 30-day journal on exercise performed and alcohol consumed. Thirty days of insulin pump data were downloaded. Participants' actual insulin dosing behaviors were compared against their self-reported behaviors in the setting of exercise and alcohol.

RESULTS

Nineteen T1D patients were recruited and over 4000 interactions with the insulin pump were analyzed. The analysis exposed variability in how subjects perceived the effects of exercise/alcohol on their blood glucose, inconsistencies between self-reported and observed behaviors, and higher rates of blood glucose control behaviors for exercise versus alcohol.

CONCLUSION

Compensation techniques and perceptions on how exercise and alcohol affect their blood glucose levels vary between patients. Improved individualized educational techniques that take into consideration a patient's unique life style are needed to help patients effectively apply alcohol and exercise compensation techniques.

Psychosocial factors in medication adherence and diabetes self-management: Implications for research and practice

Diabetes is a chronic illness that places a significant self-management burden on affected individuals and families. Given the importance of health behaviors-such as medication adherence, diet, physical activity, blood glucose self-monitoring-in achieving optimal glycemic control in diabetes, interventions designed and delivered by psychologists hold promise in assisting children, adolescents, and adults with diabetes in improving their health status and lowering their risk of serious complications. This article first provides an overview of diabetes self-management and associated challenges and burdens. Socioeconomic status factors that may influence diabetes management and outcomes are briefly highlighted. We then review the evidence base for select psychosocial factors that may be implicated in diabetes self-management. Modifiable targets of psychological intervention are presented across 3 overarching domains: (a) knowledge, beliefs, and related cognitive constructs; (b) emotional distress and well-being; and (c) behavioral skills and coping. Important methodological issues facing future research are discussed, along with opportunities for psychologists in improving the care and treatment outcomes of individuals and families living with diabetes. In conclusion, we advocate for continued research emphasis on improving psychosocial aspects of living with diabetes, with greater attention to the situational context in which the self-regulatory processes underlying self-management occur. Psychologists have important roles to play in reducing emotional distress, improving patient knowledge, and providing training in behavioral skills to promote successful self-management and to support patient-centered diabetes care. (PsycINFO Database Record

Effect of various doses of vitamin D supplementation on pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

It has previously been reported that the influence of vitamin D on the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus is associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer and other systemic diseases, and is considered an important indicator of general health. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of various doses of vitamin D supplementation on glucose metabolism, lipid concentrations, inflammation and the levels of oxidative stress of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The present randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 133 pregnant women with GDM during weeks 24-28 of pregnancy. The patients were randomly divided into four groups. The control group (n=20) received a placebo (sucrose; one granule/day), the low dosage group (n=38) received the daily recommended intake of 200 IU vitamin D (calciferol) daily, the medium dosage group (n=38) received 50,000 IU monthly (2,000 IU daily for 25 days) and the high dosage group (n=37) received 50,000 IU every 2 weeks (4,000 IU daily for 12.5 days). The general characteristics and dietary intakes of the patients with GDM were similar between each group. Using ELISA kits, it was determined that insulin, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance and total cholesterol were significantly reduced by high dosage vitamin D supplementation (P<0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and total glutathione levels were significantly elevated as a result of high dosage vitamin D supplementation (P<0.01). In conclusion, high-dose vitamin D supplementation (50,000 IU every 2 weeks) significantly improved insulin resistance in pregnant women with GDM.

White Coat Adherence in Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Who Use Insulin Pumps

BACKGROUND

The purpose was to assess the occurrence of white coat adherence, defined as an increase in adherence to treatment regimens prior to a clinic appointment, in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) who use insulin pumps.

METHODS

Blood glucose monitoring (BGM) data, carbohydrate inputs, and insulin boluses delivered were downloaded from the insulin pumps of children and adolescents, aged 7-19 years with T1D, at 2 consecutive routine diabetes clinic visits. Linear mixed models were used to analyze patterns of BGM, carbohydrate inputs, and insulin boluses delivered in patients who had ≥28 days of data stored in their insulin pumps.

RESULTS

In general, younger children engaged in more frequent BGM, carbohydrate inputs, and insulin boluses delivered than older children and adolescents. White coat adherence occurred with frequency of BGM, carbohydrate inputs, and insulin boluses delivered, but only in younger children.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes care providers need to be aware that white coat adherence may occur, particularly in young children. Providers routinely download meter and insulin pump data for the 1- to 2-week period before the clinic visit. For patients exhibiting white coat adherence, their data will overestimate the patient's actual adherence.

Measuring insulin adherence among adults with type 2 diabetes

Non-adherence to insulin is common and associated with suboptimal health. We adapted the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale to specify insulin adherence (MIAS) and compared it to the Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale for Diabetes (ARMS-D) and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities medications subscale (SDSCA-MS) and an insulin-specific (SDSCA-IS) version. A sample of 144 insulin-treated adults (58 % African American/Black, 34 % Caucasian/White, 8 % Other/Mixed race; 6.9 % Hispanic) completed these measures along with a HbA1C test. The internal consistency and factor structure of the MIAS were adequate; 59 % of participants forgot to take insulin and 46 % reported non-adherence. The MIAS was associated with the ARMS-D, SDSCA-MS, and SDSCA-IS (p < 0.001), and higher MIAS scores were marginally associated with better self-rated health (p = 0.057), but significantly associated with fewer emergency room visits (p = 0.001), and better HbA1C (p = 0.001). The MIAS is a valid and reliable insulin adherence assessment tool for practice and research applications.

Adherence in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes: strategies and considerations for assessment in research and practice

Suboptimal adherence remains a significant concern for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, the treatment regimen for which is complex and includes numerous behaviors. Accurate assessment of adherence is critical for effective healthcare and to measure trial outcomes. Without a valid biomarker of adherence, assessment strategies must rely on measuring management behaviors. This paper provides an overview of approaches to measure adherence, with an emphasis on contemporary, validated measures that are appropriate for current diabetes care. Objective measures include electronic data from diabetes management devices. Subjective measures include self/parent-report questionnaires, structured interviews and diaries/logbooks. Practical strategies for selecting measurement approaches for clinical and research purposes are reviewed, and implications of adherence assessment for clinical care delivery and adherence-promotion are discussed.