Use of continuous insulin infusion pumps in young children with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review

Insulin Pump Therapy and Adverse Skin Reactions With Focus on Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Individuals Living With Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Clinical-Based Update

BACKGROUND

The use of insulin pumps (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]) in individuals living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) improves disease control. However, adverse skin reactions may hamper compliance. We aimed to assess the relationship of insulin pumps, particularly that of infusion set therapy, used in children and adults with T1D and dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, and EMBASE, of full-text studies reporting dermatitis in persons with diabetes using a CSII was conducted from 2020 to 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. The inventory performed at the Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Malmö, Sweden (YMDA) was also performed highlighting the diagnostic process.

RESULTS

Among the 391 screened abstracts, 21 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Seven studies included data on children only, four studies were on adults, and nine studies reported data on both children and adults. Participants were exposed to a broad range of pumps. Dermatitis was rarely specified. Up to 60% of those referred to a university hospital due to skin reactions possibly related to insulin pumps had an ACD.

CONCLUSIONS

The review and our findings indicate that there is not sufficient focus on contact allergy in the primary toxicological evaluations of substances used also for insulin pump therapy products and that possible adverse skin reactions are not correctly followed up in the clinical setting.

Does the Insulin Pump Improve Satisfaction and Glycaemic Control in Moroccan Patients with Type 1 Diabetes?

Introduction: Insulin pump therapy is recommended more and more to achieve and maintain optimal glycaemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The objective of our study was to evaluate the satisfaction of patients using insulin pump therapy and to determine its effectiveness in improving metabolic control in type 1 diabetic patients. Patients-Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study including 20 type 1 diabetic patients treated by insulin pump, between 2017 and 2021. All patients received a clinical evaluation, analysis of capillary blood glucose monitoring and a dosage of HbA1c at the time of the start of insulin pump and during the evolution. Insulin pump satisfaction was assessed using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ). Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version-21. Results: The mean age of the patients was 16,8 ± 8,1 years with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0,42. Thirty per-cent were children. The mean duration of diabetes was 5,8 ± 4,8 years. Seventy-five per-cent of patients practiced functional insulin therapy. The indications for insulin pump treatment were mainly hypoglycaemia and instable diabetes. During follow-up, we found a statistically significant decrease in insulin requirements, improvement in mean HbA1c and maintenance of glycaemic control during follow-up, with a marked reduction in the number of hypoglycaemia events per week. The overall satisfaction score was calculated at 34,6 ± 2,5 out of 36 with a decrease in the score for perception of hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. Conclusion: Insulin pump therapy appears to be reliable and effective when used appropriately, combined with appropriate therapeutic education and glycaemic monitoring to maintain long-term glycaemic control and improved quality of life.

Insulinpumpe, kontinuierliche und kapilläre Glukosemessung bei Kindern, Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen mit Diabetes mellitus: Daten des DPV-Registers zwischen 1995 und 2019

Ziel dieser Beobachtungsstudie ist die Beschreibung der aktuellen Nutzung von Diabetestechnologien bei Patienten/-innen mit Diabetes mellitus.

Methode Auswertung von Daten des DPV-Registers zur Nutzung der Insulinpumpentherapie (CSII), kontinuierlicher Glukosemessung (CGM) und der Selbstmessung der Blutglukose (SMBG) aus 497 teilnehmenden Zentren in Deutschland, Österreich, Luxemburg und der Schweiz zwischen 1995 und 2019. Die Daten wurden bei Patienten/-innen mit Diabetes Typ 1 (Alter ≥ 0,5 Jahre) für 5 Altersgruppen ausgewertet. Zusätzlich wurden aktuelle (zwischen 2017 und 2019) Geschlechtsunterschiede in der Verwendung von Diabetestechnologie bei Typ-1-Patienten/-innen untersucht, ebenso wie die Nutzung von Insulinpumpen und CGM für Patienten/-innen mit Insulintherapie bei Typ-2-DM, bei zystischer Fibrose (CFRD), bei anderen Pankreaserkrankungen, neonatalem Diabetes und Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY).

Ergebnisse Es zeigte sich bei Patienten/-innen mit Diabetes Typ 1 ein Anstieg der CSII-Nutzung von 1995 bis 2019 von 1 % auf 55 % (2019: < 6 Jahre: 89 %; 6–< 12 Jahre: 67 %; 12–< 18 Jahre: 52 %; 18–< 25 Jahre: 48 %; ≥ 25 Jahre: 34 %). Die CGM-Nutzung erhöhte sich ab 2016 bis 2019 von 9 % auf 56 % (2019: 67 %; 68 %; 61 %; 47 %; 19 % der jeweiligen Altersgruppe). Die SMBG nahmen von 1995 bis 2015 insbesondere in den jüngeren Altersgruppen zu, gefolgt von einem Rückgang seit dem Jahr 2016 (Alle Patienten: 1995: 3,3/Tag; 2016: 5,4/Tag; 2019: 3,8/Tag). Weibliche Patienten mit Typ-1-Diabetes führten häufiger eine CSII und mehr SMBG als männliche Patienten durch (56 %/48 %, jeweils p-Wert: < 0,0001), während sich bei der CGM-Nutzung keine signifikanten Unterschiede zeigten.

Zwischen 2017 und 2019 erfolgte eine Nutzung von Insulinpumpen und CGM bei neonatalem Diabetes (CSII 87 %; CGM 38 %), bei MODY (CSII 14 %; CGM 28 %) und bei CFRD (CSII 18 %; CGM 22 %). CGM und CSII wurden dagegen nur selten von Menschen mit Insulintherapie und Diabetes Typ 2 (CSII < 1 %; CGM 1 %) und bei anderen Pankreaserkrankungen (CSII 3 %; CGM 4 %) genutzt.

Schlussfolgerung Moderne Diabetestechnologien werden derzeit insbesondere von pädiatrischen Patienten/-innen mit Diabetes Typ 1, aber auch von Menschen mit neonatalem Diabetes breit genutzt, von Patienten/-innen mit MODY und CFRD sowie Erwachsenen mit Diabetes Typ 1 in etwas geringerem Maße mit ansteigendem Trend. Dagegen sind diese Technologien in der Therapie des Typ-2-Diabetes und bei anderen Pankreaserkrankungen zurzeit nur wenig verbreitet.

A Clinical Overview of Insulin Pump Therapy for the Management of Diabetes: Past, Present, and Future of Intensive Therapy

IN BRIEF Insulin pump therapy is advancing rapidly. This article summarizes the variety of insulin pump technologies available to date and discusses important clinical considerations for each type of technology.

HbA1c values and hospital admissions in children and adolescents receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy

AIMS

To assess HbA_1c values and hospitalization rates before, during and after continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy.

METHODS

Demographic and hospitalization data were extracted from 161 individuals with Type 1 diabetes who received continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy between 2002 and 2013 at the Leeds Children and Young People's Diabetes Service for those aged < 20 years. The median (range) age at CSII start was 11.9 (1.1-17.6) years. The median (range) follow-up time was 2.3 (0-8.1) years. Random intercept models were used to compare HbA_1c values before and during CSII initiation (and after CSII for those who discontinued it). Hospitalization rates were calculated for diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycaemia.

RESULTS

The mean HbA_1c concentration decreased by 7 mmol/mol [95% CI 6-8; 0.6% (95% CI 0.5-0.7%)]. For the discontinued group (n=30), mean HbA_1c decreased by 5 mmol/mol [95% CI 2-8; 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.7%)]. HbA_1c returned to pre-CSII start levels at the end of this therapy. Diabetic ketoacidosis admissions increased threefold during CSII compared with before CSII start [2.2 per 100 person-years (95% CI 1.3 to 3.6) vs 7.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI 5.1 to 10.8)] and was highest during the first year of CSII. No difference in severe hypoglycaemia incidence rate was found during CSII compared with the pre-CSII period.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite significant reductions in HbA_1c levels for individuals treated with CSII, improvements are needed to reduce diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalizations for those new to the therapy.

Intersecting Health Policy and the Social Determinants of Health in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Management and Care

THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES

Type 1 diabetes health technologies are evolving. This is an expensive chronic condition to manage, hence a combination of public and private healthcare funding sources, as well as out-of-pocket payments support disease management. The aim of this paper is to describe two conceptual underpinnings, which can appropriately position the health policy and clinical context of pediatric type 1 diabetes management and care. PHENOMENA ADDRESSED: "The Main Determinants of Health" framework is used to position pediatric T1D management and care within the model's four interconnected layers: the structural environment, social and material conditions, support systems and individual health behaviors. A health policy in Ontario, Canada, the Assistive Devices Program for insulin pump therapy is also discussed relative to the model's outermost layer: the structural environment. Four dimensions of control, which characterize the "street-level bureaucrat" role including "distributing benefits and sanctions; structuring the context; teaching the client role; and, psychological benefits and sanctions" then position the policy context of the diabetes nurse educator role relative to the Assistive Devices Program policy.

RESEARCH LINKAGES

These conceptual underpinnings could extend beyond the pediatric T1D landscape to position global research in other nursing practice areas, as well as with other patient populations and professional disciplines such as social work and medicine.

Insulin Pump Use in Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Sociodemographic Factors and Parent-Reported Barriers

BACKGROUND

Managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in young children presents challenges to families and caregivers. Pump therapy may reduce challenges and benefit glycemic control. However, pump use is not universal; parent-reported reasons for lack of uptake are not well described.

METHODS

Parents of children <7, with T1D for ≥1 year, in the T1D Exchange registry completed surveys capturing demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as barriers to pump use. Data from pump users were compared to nonusers, and barriers were analyzed among parents who received pump recommendations, but decided against uptake.

RESULTS

Young children (N = 515) from 41 sites were identified (mean age 5.2 ± 1.2 years, diabetes duration 2.4 ± 1.0 years, 46% female, and 78% Non-Hispanic White). Overall glycemic control was suboptimal (HbA1c 8.1% ± 1.0%). The majority were pump users (64%, n = 331; nonusers 36%, n = 184). Pump users had longer T1D duration (2.5 ± 1.1 years vs. 2.2 ± 1.0 years, P = 0.001), were more likely to have annual household incomes ≥$75,000 (62% vs. 36%, P < 0.001), have a parent with college education or higher (70% vs. 45%, P < 0.001), perform more frequent blood glucose monitoring (7.5 ± 2.5 times/day vs. 6.5 ± 2.3 times/day, P < 0.001), and use continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) (45% vs. 13%, P < 0.001). Only income, education, frequency of blood glucose monitoring, and CGM use remained significant in a multivariate model including age, sex, ethnicity, and duration of diabetes. Barriers to pump uptake included concerns with physical interference, therapeutic effectiveness, and to a lesser extent, financial burden.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide an opportunity to address potentially modifiable parent-reported barriers to pump uptake through education and behavioral intervention.

Evaluation of Pump Discontinuation and Associated Factors in the T1D Exchange Clinic Registry

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this study were to examine factors associated with insulin pump discontinuation among children and adults followed longitudinally for 1 year in the multicenter T1D Exchange clinic registry, and to provide participant-reported reasons for stopping pump therapy.

METHODS

We longitudinally followed 8935 participants of all ages using an insulin pump at the time of registry enrollment. Logistic regressions were used to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with pump discontinuation. Pump discontinuation was self-reported by participants on a first annual follow-up survey.

RESULTS

The overall frequency of pump discontinuation was 3%. Discontinuation was higher in adolescents (4%) and young adults (4%) than in younger children (3%) or older adults (1%). In multivariate analysis of children between 6 and <13 and 13 and <18 years, participants who discontinued pump use were more likely to have higher HbA1c levels at baseline (adjusted P < .001 for both). The top participant-reported reasons for discontinuing the pump included problems with wearability (57%), disliking the pump or feeling anxious (44%), and problems with glycemic control (30%).

CONCLUSIONS

In T1D Exchange registry participants, insulin pump discontinuation is uncommon, but more prevalent among adolescents and young adults, and youth with poor glycemic control. Given the known benefits of pump therapy, these populations should be targeted for support and education on troubleshooting pump use. Common reasons for discontinuation should also be considered in future device design and technological improvement.

The Effect of Retraining on Treatment Success, Quality of Life, and Metabolic Parameters in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Using an Insulin Pump

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of insulin pump user retraining on treatment success, quality of life, and metabolic parameters of patients with type 1 diabetes using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 35 subjects participated in this prospective study. All patients were given insulin pump user retraining. Their knowledge level and application skills, metabolic parameters, quality of life, and satisfaction from treatment were evaluated at baseline and after 6 months.

RESULTS

There was significant improvement in patients' knowledge and application skills after insulin pump user retraining (self-assessment of user skills: 69.7 ± 11.5 vs. 76.3 ± 11.3, p < 0.001; knowledge level on technical issues: 3.3 ± 1.1 vs. 4.1 ± 1.8, p = 0.003; glucose monitoring: 27.1 ± 5.8 vs. 29.2 ± 5.6, p = 0.006; management of hyperglycemia: 13.1 ± 3.2 vs. 15.7 ± 3.4, p < 0.001; management of pump and infusion site problems: 8.8 ± 2.6 vs. 10.6 ± 2.6, p = 0.001). Hemoglobin (Hb)A1c levels of patients with poor glycemic control improved after retraining (8.61% ± 0.78 vs. 8.23% ± 0.79, p = 0.02). However, no significant improvement in quality of life and treatment satisfaction parameters were found.

CONCLUSION

Management of type 1 diabetes in insulin pump users can be significantly improved by retraining. Even a basic short-term retraining program helps patients to increase their knowledge level and ability to more effectively use the insulin pump. The fact that retraining significantly improves glycemic parameters in patients with poor metabolic control indicates that priority should be given to this group of patients. Further studies with individualized training programs in larger sample sizes with long-term follow-up are needed to establish the importance of retraining and create re-education plans for patients with type 1 diabetes using an insulin pump.

Needle detachment in a slim and physically active child with insulin pump treatment

Insulin pump therapy (CSII) is well established in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. In childhood diabetes, insulin pump treatment shows considerable advantages such as fewer injections, increased flexibility, fewer hypoglycemic events and lower HbA1c levels. Side effects such as catheter obstruction, technical pump failure, and dermatological complications have been observed, but are rarely reported. The reported patient is a physically very active and slim 10-year-old boy with reduced subcutaneous fatty tissue. After strong muscular activity an accidental rupture of the infusion set and needle detachment occurred in October 2013. X-ray and ultrasound imaging localized the needle in the musculus rectus femoris dexter. The needle was kept in situ and oral antibiotic treatment to prevent inflammatory reaction was prescribed. Repeated ultrasound measurements documented that the needles position had remained unchanged. Steel needle catheters (Sure-T infusion set, 6 mm) positioned in a thin layer of subcutaneous fat tissue of the thigh, combined with intense sports activity can result in a needle rupture and penetration into the muscle. Careful monitoring provides an alternative to surgery and lowers the risk of muscular necrosis. Because of differences in the distribution of subcutaneous fat tissue, an individualized catheter selection is necessary in pump treatment for children and adolescents, requiring a variety of different catheter sets.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in diabetes: patient populations, safety, efficacy, and pharmacoeconomics

The level of glycaemic control necessary to achieve optimal short-term and long-term outcomes in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) typically requires intensified insulin therapy using multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. For continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, the insulins of choice are the rapid-acting insulin analogues, insulin aspart, insulin lispro and insulin glulisine. The advantages of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion over multiple daily injections in adult and paediatric populations with T1DM include superior glycaemic control, lower insulin requirements and better health-related quality of life/patient satisfaction. An association between continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and reduced hypoglycaemic risk is more consistent in children/adolescents than in adults. The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is widely recommended in both adult and paediatric T1DM populations but is limited in pregnant patients and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus. All available rapid-acting insulin analogues are approved for use in adult, paediatric and pregnant populations. However, minimum patient age varies (insulin lispro: no minimum; insulin aspart: ≥2 years; insulin glulisine: ≥6 years) and experience in pregnancy ranges from extensive (insulin aspart, insulin lispro) to limited (insulin glulisine). Although more expensive than multiple daily injections, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is cost-effective in selected patient groups. This comprehensive review focuses on the European situation and summarises evidence for the efficacy and safety of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, particularly when used with rapid-acting insulin analogues, in adult, paediatric and pregnant populations. The review also discusses relevant European guidelines; reviews issues that surround use of this technology; summarises the effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on patients' health-related quality of life; reviews relevant pharmacoeconomic data; and discusses recent advances in pump technology, including the development of closed-loop 'artificial pancreas' systems. © 2015 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mealtime behavior and diabetes-specific parent functioning in young children with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Management of meals and mealtime behavior is often challenging for parents of young children with Type 1 diabetes. Parent functioning related to diabetes care may directly affect mealtime behaviors and glycemic control. This study evaluated associations among diabetes-specific parent functioning, parent and child mealtime behaviors, and glycemic control.

METHOD

Parents of young children with Type 1 diabetes (n = 134) completed self-report measures assessing diabetes-specific functioning (hypoglycemia fear, diabetes self-efficacy, diabetes-related quality of life) and child and parent mealtime behaviors. Hemoglobin A1c and percentage of blood glucose values out of range (<70 mg/dL or >200 mg/dL) over a 30-day period were abstracted from medical charts as indicators of glycemic control. Structural equation modeling was utilized to evaluate predictors and related outcomes of child and parent mealtime behavior.

RESULTS

The proposed model fit the data very well. More frequent problematic child mealtime behaviors were associated with poorer glycemic control; however, more frequent problematic parent mealtime behaviors were marginally associated with better glycemic control. Poorer diabetes-specific parent functioning was associated with more frequent problematic child and parent mealtime behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Problematic child mealtime behaviors, such as disruptive behavior, present a significant risk for poorer glycemic control. Parents may engage in ineffective mealtime management strategies in an effort to meet glycemic recommendations and avoid hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Future research will help to determine whether parents may benefit from specific, developmentally appropriate behavioral strategies to manage meals and snacks and promote optimal diabetes management.

Parents' experiences of managing their child's diabetes using an insulin pump: a qualitative study

AIMS

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion delivered via a pump is increasingly recommended for younger children with Type 1 diabetes. Our aims were: to understand the impact on parents who care for young children using insulin pumps; to help interpret psychological outcomes reported in quantitative research; and to inform provision of support to future parents.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth interviews with 19 parents of children (aged ≤ 12 years) with Type 1 diabetes who used an insulin pump. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Parents reported multiple benefits from using insulin pumps, including: no longer having to administer painful injections; fewer restrictions on the frequency, timing and carbohydrate contents of snacks and meals; and improvements in family life and their child's glycaemic control. Parents liked and felt less anxious about using bolus calculators to determine insulin doses; however, parents also described undertaking additional and unanticipated work to manage their child's diabetes using a pump. This included performing more blood glucose tests to calculate insulin doses for snacks and to address their concerns that the pump increased their child's risk of hypoglycaemia. Some parents reported doing additional blood glucose checks because they could adjust pump settings to better manage hypo- and hyperglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents liked and perceived benefits for their child and themselves from using an insulin pump; however, parents would benefit from being made aware of the additional work involved in using a pump and also from education and support to address concerns about hypoglycaemia. Better measures to evaluate parents' experiences are also recommended.

Optimizing insulin pump therapy: the potential advantages of using a structured diabetes management program

Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy improves glycemic control, reduces hypoglycemia and increases treatment satisfaction in individuals with diabetes. As a number of patient- and clinician-related factors can hinder the effectiveness and optimal usage of CSII therapy, new approaches are needed to address these obstacles. Ceriello and colleagues recently proposed a model of care that incorporates the collaborative use of structured SMBG into a formal approach to personalized diabetes management within all diabetes populations. We adapted this model for use in CSII-treated patients in order to enable the implementation of a workflow structure that enhances patient-physician communication and supports patients' diabetes self-management skills. We recognize that time constraints and current reimbursement policies pose significant challenges to healthcare providers integrating the Personalised Diabetes Management (PDM) process into clinical practice. We believe, however, that the time invested in modifying practice workflow and learning to apply the various steps of the PDM process will be offset by improved workflow and more effective patient consultations. This article describes how to implement PDM into clinical practice as a systematic, standardized process that can optimize CSII therapy.

Insulin pump use in young children in the T1D Exchange clinic registry is associated with lower hemoglobin A1c levels than injection therapy

Insulin delivery via injection and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) via insulin pump were compared in a cross-sectional study (n = 669) and retrospective longitudinal study (n = 1904) of young children (<6 yr) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) participating in the T1D Exchange clinic registry. Use of CSII correlated with longer T1D duration (p < 0.001), higher parental education (p < 0.001), and annual household income (p < 0.006) but not with race/ethnicity. Wide variation in pump use was observed among T1D Exchange centers even after adjusting for these factors, suggesting that prescriber preference is a substantial determinant of CSII use. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was lower in pump vs. injection users (7.9 vs. 8.5%, adjusted p < 0.001) in the cross-sectional study. In the longitudinal study, HbA1c decreased after initiation of CSII by 0.2%, on average (p < 0.001). Frequency of a severe hypoglycemia (SH) event did not differ in pump vs. injection users (p = 0.2). Frequency of ≥1 parent-reported diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) event in the prior year was greater in pump users than injection users (10 vs. 8%, p = 0.04). No differences between pump and injection users were observed for clinic-reported DKA events. Children below 6 yr have many unique metabolic characteristics, feeding behaviors, and care needs compared with older children and adolescents. These data support the use of insulin pumps in this youngest age group, and suggest that metabolic control may be improved without increasing the frequency of SH, but care should be taken as to the possibly increased risk of DKA.

Interventions to improve safe and effective medicines use by consumers: an overview of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND

Many systematic reviews exist on interventions to improve safe and effective medicines use by consumers, but research is distributed across diseases, populations and settings. The scope and focus of such reviews also vary widely, creating challenges for decision-makers seeking to inform decisions by using the evidence on consumers' medicines use.This is an update of a 2011 overview of systematic reviews, which synthesises the evidence, irrespective of disease, medicine type, population or setting, on the effectiveness of interventions to improve consumers' medicines use.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of interventions which target healthcare consumers to promote safe and effective medicines use, by synthesising review-level evidence.

SEARCH METHODS

We included systematic reviews published on the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects. We identified relevant reviews by handsearching databases from their start dates to March 2012.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We screened and ranked reviews based on relevance to consumers' medicines use, using criteria developed for this overview.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standardised forms to extract data, and assessed reviews for methodological quality using the AMSTAR tool. We used standardised language to summarise results within and across reviews; and gave bottom-line statements about intervention effectiveness. Two review authors screened and selected reviews, and extracted and analysed data. We used a taxonomy of interventions to categorise reviews and guide syntheses.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 75 systematic reviews of varied methodological quality. Reviews assessed interventions with diverse aims including support for behaviour change, risk minimisation and skills acquisition. No reviews aimed to promote systems-level consumer participation in medicines-related activities. Medicines adherence was the most frequently-reported outcome, but others such as knowledge, clinical and service-use outcomes were also reported. Adverse events were less commonly identified, while those associated with the interventions themselves, or costs, were rarely reported.Looking across reviews, for most outcomes, medicines self-monitoring and self-management programmes appear generally effective to improve medicines use, adherence, adverse events and clinical outcomes; and to reduce mortality in people self-managing antithrombotic therapy. However, some participants were unable to complete these interventions, suggesting they may not be suitable for everyone.Other promising interventions to improve adherence and other key medicines-use outcomes, which require further investigation to be more certain of their effects, include:· simplified dosing regimens: with positive effects on adherence;· interventions involving pharmacists in medicines management, such as medicines reviews (with positive effects on adherence and use, medicines problems and clinical outcomes) and pharmaceutical care services (consultation between pharmacist and patient to resolve medicines problems, develop a care plan and provide follow-up; with positive effects on adherence and knowledge).Several other strategies showed some positive effects, particularly relating to adherence, and other outcomes, but their effects were less consistent overall and so need further study. These included:· delayed antibiotic prescriptions: effective to decrease antibiotic use but with mixed effects on clinical outcomes, adverse effects and satisfaction;· practical strategies like reminders, cues and/or organisers, reminder packaging and material incentives: with positive, although somewhat mixed effects on adherence;· education delivered with self-management skills training, counselling, support, training or enhanced follow-up; information and counselling delivered together; or education/information as part of pharmacist-delivered packages of care: with positive effects on adherence, medicines use, clinical outcomes and knowledge, but with mixed effects in some studies;· financial incentives: with positive, but mixed, effects on adherence.Several strategies also showed promise in promoting immunisation uptake, but require further study to be more certain of their effects. These included organisational interventions; reminders and recall; financial incentives; home visits; free vaccination; lay health worker interventions; and facilitators working with physicians to promote immunisation uptake. Education and/or information strategies also showed some positive but even less consistent effects on immunisation uptake, and need further assessment of effectiveness and investigation of heterogeneity.There are many different potential pathways through which consumers' use of medicines could be targeted to improve outcomes, and simple interventions may be as effective as complex strategies. However, no single intervention assessed was effective to improve all medicines-use outcomes across all diseases, medicines, populations or settings.Even where interventions showed promise, the assembled evidence often only provided part of the picture: for example, simplified dosing regimens seem effective for improving adherence, but there is not yet sufficient information to identify an optimal regimen.In some instances interventions appear ineffective: for example, the evidence suggests that directly observed therapy may be generally ineffective for improving treatment completion, adherence or clinical outcomes.In other cases, interventions may have variable effects across outcomes. As an example, strategies providing information or education as single interventions appear ineffective to improve medicines adherence or clinical outcomes, but may be effective to improve knowledge; an important outcome for promoting consumers' informed medicines choices.Despite a doubling in the number of reviews included in this updated overview, uncertainty still exists about the effectiveness of many interventions, and the evidence on what works remains sparse for several populations, including children and young people, carers, and people with multimorbidity.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This overview presents evidence from 75 reviews that have synthesised trials and other studies evaluating the effects of interventions to improve consumers' medicines use.Systematically assembling the evidence across reviews allows identification of effective or promising interventions to improve consumers' medicines use, as well as those for which the evidence indicates ineffectiveness or uncertainty.Decision makers faced with implementing interventions to improve consumers' medicines use can use this overview to inform decisions about which interventions may be most promising to improve particular outcomes. The intervention taxonomy may also assist people to consider the strategies available in relation to specific purposes, for example, gaining skills or being involved in decision making. Researchers and funders can use this overview to identify where more research is needed and assess its priority. The limitations of the available literature due to the lack of evidence for important outcomes and important populations, such as people with multimorbidity, should also be considered in practice and policy decisions.

Young children with type 1 diabetes: challenges, research, and future directions

The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in young children (age <6 years) is rising. Diabetes management guidelines offered by the American Diabetes Association and health care teams understandably place a high burden of responsibility on caregivers to check young children's blood glucose levels, administer insulin, and monitor diet and physical activity with the ultimate goal of maintaining tight glycemic control. Unfortunately, this tight control is needed during a vulnerable developmental period when behavior is unpredictable, T1D can be physiologically difficult to control, parenting stress can be elevated, and caregivers are strained by normal child caretaking routines. Despite the potentially different management needs, specific education and clinical services for managing diabetes in young children are rarely offered, and behavioral research with this young child age group has been limited in scope and quantity. Research findings pertinent to young children with T1D are reviewed, and potential clinical implications, as well as areas for future research, are discussed.

Health-related quality of life among Norwegian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes on intensive insulin treatment: a population-based study

AIM

To examine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes on intensive insulin treatment.

METHODS

All children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes above 8 years of age scheduled for follow-up at 21 paediatric departments in Norway, and one of their parents was invited to describe HRQOL by completing DISABKIDS questionnaires. HRQOL was related to sociodemographic factors (i.e. parental economy, education, marital status and to level of physical activity and disease characteristics, obtained from the Norwegian Childhood Diabetes Registry).

RESULTS

Nine hundred and thirty seven (48%) and one of their parents responded. Mean duration of diabetes was 4.9 years (SD 3.3), 51% were girls, 56% used insulin pumps, and 44% used multiple insulin injections, predominantly of long-acting and rapid insulin analogues. Mean HbA1c was 8.5% (SD 1.3). Lower HRQOL scores were significantly associated with higher HbA1c, being a girl and experience of diabetes ketoacidosis. Mothers scored lower than fathers on total score and most subscales. No significant differences in scores were found between users of an insulin pump and multi-injection treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related quality of life was related to metabolic control and gender, but not to mode of intensified insulin treatment.

Pediatric use of insulin pump technology: a retrospective study of adverse events in children ages 1-12 years

BACKGROUND

Growing technological improvements in insulin pump design have increased the use of these devices in young children. To better understand the types of infusion pump-related problems and associated adverse events in this age group, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of pump-related adverse event reports received by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for children ages 1-12 years.

METHODS

A query was conducted of FDA's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database from January 1, 1996, through December 31, 2009, in children ages 1-12 years involving insulin pumps. Report narratives were individually reviewed for age, gender, and seriousness of outcomes. Device or patient problems and potential contributory factors were assessed.

RESULTS

Over the past 14 years, 1774 (7%) of all insulin pump adverse event reports were identified in children ages 1-12. Of these reports, 777 (43%) resulted in hospitalization. In hospitalized cases (n = 614), diabetic ketoacidosis and/or hyperglycemia were the predominant patient problems, and in other cases (n = 98), hypoglycemia was evident. There were 106 emergency room visits, 19 cases requiring paramedic attention, and five deaths. The majority of reports indicated that the devices were not returned to the manufacturer, and root causes were not always confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger children with diabetes deserve careful consideration of the risk and benefit of insulin pump technology. Studies are needed to better understand pediatric safety issues and to identify the root cause of adverse events. Problems related to patient education, device misuse, and malfunctions were found, highlighting the need to strengthen user training for children and their caregivers.

Dendritic cells expressing BTLA induces CD8+ T cell tolerance and attenuates the severity of diabetes

Numerous evidence demonstrate Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is due to a loss of immune tolerance to islet antigens, and CD8(+) T cells play an important role in the development of T1D in NOD mice. The novel coinhibitory receptor BTLA may have a regulatory role in maintaining peripheral tolerance, however, its role in autoimmune diabetes is unknown. To explore whether the generation of tolerance aiming at BTLA will help therapeutic intervention in T1D, the NOD mice were treated with genetically modified dendritic cells (DCs) expressing BTLA. The results demonstrated that transfer of modified DCs significantly induced CD8(+) T cell tolerance and attenuated the severity of diabetes. The findings suggest that genetically modified DC therapies enhancing the BTLA negative cosignal may prove valuable in treating T1D and other autoimmune diseases.

Insulin delivery by injection in children and adolescents with diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin, which has traditionally been delivered by vial and syringe. However, for many patients, dosing inaccuracy, pain, anxiety, inconvenience, and social acceptability present barriers to this method of administration (1-5). This has contributed to the increased popularity of alternative insulin delivery systems, including pen delivery devices (4, 6). Evidence suggests that discreet devices, such as insulin pens, facilitate adherence to intensive insulin therapy regimens, help improve lifestyle flexibility, and reduce injection pain compared with the conventional syringe-based regimens, as shown in studies in adults and adolescents (7). In addition, compared with the vial and syringe method of insulin administration, pens may provide more accurate dosing - which is particularly important in children - thereby improving short-term blood glucose control and potentially improving long-term outcomes (5, 8). Children, in particular, may benefit from insulin pens that are simple to use as adherence issues may be more evident in this patient group (9). Pens for insulin delivery in children with type 1 diabetes have been used for a long time in Europe, and have recently gained in popularity in many other places around the world (4, 10). Furthermore, the conventional vial and syringe method of insulin delivery is beginning to be considered as obsolete (11). Moreover, there is a continued drive to improve insulin pen technology, to refine and enhance the functionality and usability of these pens. However, despite recent advances in pen design and function, the selection of pens available especially for children is limited.

Experiences of children/young people and their parents, using insulin pump therapy for the management of type 1 diabetes: qualitative review

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Advances in medical technology have made insulin pumps an attractive treatment option for patients with type 1 diabetes and in particular for children and young people. Previous studies have accounted the experiences and views of children/young people and their parents for the use of the injection therapy, but very few have focused on the use of insulin pumps. The objective of this review was to identify studies that explore the experiences of children/young people and their parents on the transition from injections to insulin pump therapy, in the context of their social life.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted, and six studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified.

RESULTS

  Views and perspectives from the studies identified mainly focused on: introduction to the pump; reasons for the transition to pump therapy; advantages and disadvantages of this treatment option; and impact on quality of life (QoL). Parents and/or children reported that they learned about pump therapy either formally from a healthcare professional or informally from a friend or the internet. Many reasons were identified for the transition, the most important being the pursuit of stable and controlled blood sugar levels and the desire for a more flexible lifestyle. Participants highlighted the advantages of insulin pumps in terms of improved diabetes control. Moreover, there was a positive impact on the QoL, as insulin pumps provided children greater flexibility in lifestyles especially with regards to meals and socialization. In contrast, psychosocial issues such as pump visibility and physical restrictions were highlighted as disadvantages. Issues such as day-to-day management were also discussed.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Exploring children/young people's perspectives on the use of pump therapy for managing their diabetes, and parental reflections in caring for those children is important as it provides evidence informing policy for the wider implementation of this technology in the management of diabetes in children. However, the review revealed that there is a scarcity of data in this area and that further research is needed.

Multifocal electroretinograms predict onset of diabetic retinopathy in adult patients with diabetes

PURPOSE

The authors' previous models predicted local formation of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adults with diabetes and existing retinopathy. Here they derived a multivariate model for local prediction of DR onset in patients with no previous retinopathy.

METHODS

Seventy-eight eyes from 41 diabetes patients were tested annually for several years. The presence or absence of DR at the last study visit was the outcome measure, and measurements of risk factors from the previous visit were used for prediction. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between DR development and 7 factors: multifocal ERG (mfERG) implicit time (IT) Z-score, sex, diabetes duration, blood glucose, HbA1c, age, and diabetes type. Thirty-five retinal zones, spanning 45°, were constructed from the mfERG stimulus elements. The maximum IT Z-score for each zone was calculated based on data from 50 control subjects. ROC curve analysis, using fivefold cross-validation, was used to determine the model's predictive properties.

RESULTS

Mild DR developed in 80 of 2730 retinal zones (3%) in 29 of 78 eyes (37%). Multivariate analysis showed mfERG IT to be predictive for DR development in a zone after adjusting for diabetes type. The multivariate model has a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 74%.

CONCLUSIONS

mfERG IT is a good predictor of DR onset, 1 year later, in patients with diabetes without DR. It can be used to assess the risk for DR development in these patients and may be a valuable outcome measure in evaluation of novel prophylactic therapeutics directed at impeding DR.

Factors affecting improved glycaemic control in youth using insulin pumps

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with insulin pump therapy resulting in lower HbA(1c) levels in young people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Insulin pumps were downloaded from 150 youth (81 male), ages 5-20 years. Consecutive insulin pump downloads, 3 months apart, were available for 85 (43 male) of the 150 youth and changes in pump use were correlated with changes (≥0.5%, ≥ 6 mmol/mol) in HbA(1c) levels.

RESULTS

  Using cross-sectional data, lower HbA(1c) values correlated with use of more frequent daily insulin boluses (r=-0.46, P<0.0001) and more frequent blood glucose checks/day (r=-0.35, P<0.0001). Young people with HbA(1c) levels <7.5% (58 mmol/mol) vs. values of 7.5-9.0% (58-75 mmol/mol) or ≥ 9.0% (75 mmol/mol) tested blood glucose more frequently/day (P<0.0001), bolused more frequently/day (P<0.0001), reported more grams of carbohydrates eaten/day (P<0.05) and had a higher per cent bolus insulin/day (P<0.05) compared with the ≥9.0% of youth. Using longitudinal data, 48 of 85 patients had a change in HbA(1c) level of ≥0.5% (6 mmol/mol) between downloads (24 improved). Increased bolus insulin (OR=1.15, P=0.03) and time of temporary basal rate use (OR=1.017, P=0.01) predicted ≥0.5% (6 mmol/mol) decrease in HbA(1c) in logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the importance of blood glucose testing, of bolus insulin administration and of an increase in the time of temporary basal rate use in relation to improving glycaemic control.

Bolus calculator with nutrition database software, a new concept of prandial insulin programming for pump users

Bolus calculators are effective tools in controlling blood glucose levels in patients treated with insulin. Diabetics is a new software devised for patients to facilitate and improve self-managing for prandial insulin dosing and for better controlling food intake. This device contains two integral parts: a nutrition database and a bolus calculator. The algorithm is based on a formula in which carbohydrate (CHO) and either fat and/or protein (FP) products are engulfed in insulin. The insulin dose setting is programmed individually for CHO in a normal bolus (N-W) and for FP in a square-wave bolus (S-W). The device calculates the dose of insulin for N-W or S-W, suggests the optimal kind of bolus, and indicates the timing in hours for an S-W bolus. In addition, this calculator, which contains a nutrition database and insulin dosing software, helps determine the correct type of necessary boluses for selected foods.