Sources and Valence of Information Impacting Parents' Decisions to Use Diabetes Technologies in Young Children <8 Years Old with Type 1 Diabetes

The Impact of Parental Electronic Health Literacy on Disease Management and Outcomes in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Cross-Sectional Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Despite the growing uptake of smart technologies in pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) care, little is known about caregiving parents' skills to deal with electronic health information sources.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the electronic health literacy of parents caring for children with T1DM and investigate its associations with disease management and children's outcomes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was performed involving 150 parent-child (8-14 years old with T1DM) dyads in a university pediatric diabetology center. Parents' electronic health literacy (eHealth Literacy Scale [eHEALS]), general health literacy (Chew questionnaire and Newest Vital Sign [NVS]), and attitudes toward T1DM care (Parental Self-Efficacy Scale for Diabetes Management [PSESDM] and Hypoglycemia Fear Survey [HFS]) were investigated. Children's treatment, HbA1c level, and quality of life (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Diabetes Module [PedsQL Diab] and EQ-5D-Y-3L) were assessed. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the determining factors of 6-month average HbA1c.

RESULTS

Of the 150 children, 38 (25.3%) used a pen, 55 (36.7%) used a pen plus a sensor, 6 (4.0%) used an insulin pump, and 51 (34.0%) used an insulin pump plus a sensor. Parents' average eHEALS score (mean 31.2, SD 4.9) differed significantly by educational level (P=.04) and the children's treatment (P=.005), being the highest in the pump + sensor subgroup. The eHEALS score showed significant Pearson correlations with the Chew score (r=-0.45; P<.001), NVS score (r=0.25; P=.002), and PSESDM score (r=0.35; P<.001) but not with the children's HbA1c (r=-0.143; P=.08), PedsQL Diab (r=-0.0002; P>.99), and EQ-5D-Y-3L outcomes (r=-0.13; P=.12). Regression analysis revealed significant associations of the child's HbA1c level with sex (β=0.58; P=.008), treatment modality (pen + sensor: β=-0.66; P=.03; pump + sensor: β=-0.93; P=.007), and parents' self-efficacy (PSESDM; β=-0.08; P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Significantly higher parental electronic health literacy was found in T1DM children using a glucose sensor. The electronic health literacy level was associated with parents' diabetes management attitude but not with the child's glycemic control. Studies further investigating the role of parental electronic health literacy in T1DM children managed at different levels of care and the local context are encouraged.

Long-term Continuous Glucose Monitor Use in Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes: One-Year Results From the SENCE Study

OBJECTIVES

Achieving optimal glycemic outcomes in young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging. This study examined the durability of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) coupled with a family behavioral intervention (FBI) to improve glycemia.

STUDY DESIGN

This one-year study included an initial 26-week randomized controlled trial of CGM with FBI (CGM+FBI) and CGM alone (Standard-CGM) compared with blood glucose monitoring (BGM), followed by a 26-week extension phase wherein the BGM Group received the CGM+FBI (BGM-Crossover) and both original CGM groups continued this technology.

RESULTS

Time in range (70-180 mg/dL) did not improve with CGM use (CGM+FBI: baseline 37%, 52 weeks 41%; Standard-CGM: baseline 41%, 52 weeks 44%; BGM-Crossover: 26 weeks 38%, 52 weeks 40%). All three groups sustained decreases in hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL) with CGM use (CGM+FBI: baseline 3.4%, 52 weeks 2.0%; Standard-CGM: baseline 4.1%, 52 weeks 2.1%; BGM-Crossover: 26 weeks 4.5%, 52 weeks 1.7%, P-values <.001). Hemoglobin A1c was unchanged with CGM use (CGM+FBI: baseline 8.3%, 52 weeks 8.2%; Standard-CGM: baseline 8.2%, 52 weeks 8.0%; BGM-Crossover: 26 weeks 8.1%, 52 weeks 8.3%). Sensor use remained high (52-week study visit: CGM+FBI 91%, Standard-CGM 92%, BGM-Crossover 88%).

CONCLUSION

Over 12 months young children with T1D using newer CGM technology sustained reductions in hypoglycemia and, in contrast to prior studies, persistently wore CGM. However, pervasive hyperglycemia remained unmitigated. This indicates an urgent need for further advances in diabetes technology, behavioral support, and diabetes management educational approaches to optimize glycemia in young children.

Development and delivery of a brief family behavioral intervention to support continuous glucose monitor use in young children with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Despite potential glycemic benefits of continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use in young children with type 1 diabetes, psychosocial and behavioral challenges may interfere with sustained use. We developed a 5-session family behavioral intervention (FBI) to support CGM use.

OBJECTIVE

We report on the multi-step development of the FBI, training interventionists, implementation in a 14-site clinical trial, and participant satisfaction.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team created the FBI based on mixed-methods (i.e., survey data, qualitative research) preliminary work with parents of young children. Investigators trained non-physician staff to deliver the 5 sessions per an intervention manual. Trial participants received the FBI either during the first (FBI group, n = 50) or second 6-months (Crossover group, n = 44) of the 1-year trial. Investigators listened to session recordings to rate intervention fidelity, and participants rated satisfaction with the FBI.

RESULTS

The complete 5-session FBI was delivered to 89% of participants, in-person (73%) or by telephone (23%). Sessions lasted 23 min on average, and fidelity was high across sessions. Over 80% of participants rated very high satisfaction with all aspects of the FBI and offered few recommendations for improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Having been developed based on experiences and input of families of young children with type 1 diabetes, the FBI represented a novel behavioral approach to enhance sustained CGM use during a challenging developmental period. Evidence of strong feasibility and acceptability supports its potential for implementation in research and clinical care. As diabetes technologies evolve, the FBI may continue to be refined to address parents' most relevant concerns.

Barriers and Facilitators to Diabetes Device Adoption for People with Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetes technology (insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring, automated insulin delivery systems) has advanced significantly and provides benefits to the user. This article reviews the current barriers to diabetes device adoption and sustained use, and outlines the known and potential facilitators for increasing and sustaining device adoption.

RECENT FINDINGS

Barriers to diabetes device adoption continue to exist at the system-, provider-, and individual-level. Known facilitators to promote sustained adoption include consistent insurance coverage, support for providers and clinics, structured education and support for technology users, and device user access to support as needed (e.g., through online resources). Systemic barriers to diabetes device adoption persist while growing evidence demonstrates the increasing benefits of newest devices and systems. There are ongoing efforts to develop evidence-based structured education programs to support device adoption and sustained use.

Comparison of Socioeconomic Disparities in Pump Uptake Among Children With Type 1 Diabetes in 2 Canadian Provinces With Different Payment Models

IMPORTANCE

Insulin pumps improve glycemic control and quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Canada's provinces have implemented universal pediatric programs to improve access. However, these programs provide differing financial coverage, allowing for unique cross-jurisdictional comparisons.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate possible socioeconomic status (SES) disparities in pump uptake in Québec, where pumps are fully funded, with those in Manitoba, where pumps are partially funded.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Using health administrative databases and a clinical registry, parallel, population-based cohort studies of children with diabetes were conducted from April 1, 2011, in Québec, and April 1, 2012, in Manitoba, until March 31, 2017. In analysis conducted from July 1, 2019, to November 30, 2021, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to study the association between pump uptake and SES, defined using validated area-based material and social deprivation indices. Children aged 1 to 17 years with T1D were identified using a validated definition in administrative data (Québec) and a clinical registry (Manitoba). Those using pumps before the initiation of provincial programs were excluded.

EXPOSURES

Socioeconomic status.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Insulin pump uptake.

RESULTS

A total of 2919 children with T1D were identified in Québec: 1550 male (53.1%), mean (SD) age at diagnosis, 8.3 (4.4) years, and 1067 (36.6%) were using a pump. In Manitoba, 636 children were identified: 364 male (57.2%), mean (SD) age at diagnosis, 8.8 (4.4) years, and 106 (16.7%) were using a pump. In Québec, the mean age at diagnosis of T1D was lower in children using the pump compared with those not using a pump (7.6 [4.1] vs 8.7 [4.5] years); sex distribution was similar (562 [52.7%] vs 988 [53.3%] male). No differences in mean (SD) age at diagnosis (8.8 [4.4] vs 8.8 [4.3] years) or sex (57 [53.8%] vs 307 [57.9%] male) were noted in both groups in Manitoba. Increasing material deprivation was associated with decreased pump uptake in both Québec (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.89; 95% CI, 0.85-0.93) and Manitoba (aHR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60-0.82). Inclusion of ethnic concentration did not change this association. Socioeconomic disparities in pump uptake were greater in Manitoba than Québec (P = .006 by t test; Cochran Q, 8.15; P = .004; I2 = 87.7%; 95% CI, 52.5%-96.8%).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this study suggest that the program of full coverage for pumps available in Québec partially mitigates observed SES disparities in uptake and may be a model to improve access for all children with T1D.

Barriers to Uptake of Insulin Technologies and Novel Solutions

Diabetes-related technology has undergone great advancement in recent years. These technological devices are more commonly utilized in the type 1 diabetes population, which requires insulin as the primary treatment modality. Available devices include insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid systems referred to as automated insulin delivery systems or hybrid closed-loop systems, which combine those two devices along with software algorithms to achieve advanced therapeutic capabilities, including automatic modulation of insulin delivery based on sensor-derived glucose levels to minimize abnormal glucose trends. Use of diabetes technology is associated with significant positive health and psychosocial outcomes, yet utilization rates are generally lacking across both adult and pediatric type 1 diabetes populations in the United States and other countries. There are consistent themes in existing barriers to technology uptake reported by individuals with type 1 diabetes or parents of children with type 1 diabetes, including physical burdens associated with wearing the devices, concerns in navigating the technology and the devices’ abilities to meet user expectations, high cost, inadequate resources within the healthcare team to support device use, disparities in technology access, and psychosocial barriers. It is important to understand the common barriers to uptake of not only the automated insulin delivery systems but also their component devices (insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors) to fully support individuals in utilizing these devices and optimizing health benefits. The purpose of this article is to summarize the current automated insulin delivery devices that are available for use in management of type 1 diabetes, review common barriers to uptake of those systems and their component devices, and provide expert opinion on existing and future solutions to identified barriers.

State of the science: A scoping review and gap analysis of adolescent insulin pump self-management

PURPOSE

Adolescent diabetes outcomes remain poor despite increased use of diabetes technologies such as insulin pump therapy. Meaningful research examining adolescent insulin pump self-management has been done, however, a summary of these self-management findings has not been published. The aim of this literature review is to map, evaluate, and summarize existing adolescent insulin pump self-management research.

METHOD

A scoping review of three databases was conducted to comprehensively report and synthesize relevant literature published before September 2019.

RESULTS

Of the 1295 titles identified, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this scoping review. Key insulin pump self-management behaviors were featured in the literature, most notably self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and bolus frequency. Several factors were found to influence pump self-management including psychological factors, parental support and self-management transition, insulin pump education and knowledge acquisition, and environmental factors. We uncovered five gaps in the literature including: an unclear delineation of adolescent age; limited minority representation; variability in the definitions and reporting of self-management behaviors; the role of data sharing and remote monitoring was not addressed; and there remains limited inquiry into diabetes burden and distress associated with insulin pump self-management.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

There exists a consensus that well-established behaviors, such as bolus and SMBG frequency, influence glycemic outcomes for adolescent insulin pump users, however, full insulin pump utilization and self-management is poorly understood. Diabetes clinicians should work to support adolescent insulin pump self-management practices by reinforcing bedrock behaviors while fostering supportive factors found to influence pump self-management.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Use With Standardized Education With or Without a Family Behavioral Intervention Compared With Fingerstick Blood Glucose Monitoring in Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effects of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) combined with family behavioral intervention (CGM+FBI) and CGM alone (Standard-CGM) on glycemic outcomes and parental quality of life compared with blood glucose monitoring (BGM) in children ages 2 to <8 years with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a multicenter (N = 14), 6-month, randomized controlled trial including 143 youth 2 to <8 years of age with type 1 diabetes. Primary analysis included treatment group comparisons of percent time in range (TIR) (70-180 mg/dL) across follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Approximately 90% of participants in the CGM groups used CGM ≥6 days/week at 6 months. Between-group TIR comparisons showed no significant changes: CGM+FBI vs. BGM 3.2% (95% CI -0.5, 7.0), Standard-CGM vs. BGM 0.5% (-2.6 to 3.6), CGM+FBI vs. Standard-CGM 2.7% (-0.6, 6.1). Mean time with glucose level <70 mg/dL was reduced from baseline to follow-up in the CGM+FBI (from 5.2% to 2.6%) and Standard-CGM (5.8% to 2.5%) groups, compared with 5.4% to 5.8% with BGM (CGM+FBI vs. BGM, P < 0.001, and Standard-CGM vs. BGM, P < 0.001). No severe hypoglycemic events occurred in the CGM+FBI group, one occurred in the Standard-CGM group, and five occurred in the BGM group. CGM+FBI parents reported greater reductions in diabetes burden and fear of hypoglycemia compared with Standard-CGM (P = 0.008 and 0.04) and BGM (P = 0.02 and 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

CGM used consistently over a 6-month period in young children with type 1 diabetes did not improve TIR but did significantly reduce time in hypoglycemia. The FBI benefited parental well-being.