Barriers and facilitators of physical activity participation in adults living with type 1 diabetes: a systematic scoping review

A Cross-sectional Study on the Impact of Educational Status on Physical Activity Level in Danish and English Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Physical activity is associated with improved health in people with type 1 diabetes. However, physical activity level may be associated with socioeconomic status. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between education level and physical activity level among people with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data on physical activity level (high or low) was measured using the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale, and education level (low, medium, or high) was self-reported.

RESULTS

Respondents were recruited from outpatient clinics (Steno Diabetes Centre Aarhus, Denmark; Nordsjællands Hospital, Denmark; or Sheffield Diabetes and Endocrine Centre, United Kingdom), by health-care personnel from September 2019 to July 2021. A total of 324 people with type 1 diabetes were included (54% male, median age 50 years [interquartile range 30-60 years]). Education level was low in 10%, medium in 33%, and high in 57%. A logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, cohabitation status and nationality, found that a medium vs. high education level was associated with lower odds of a high physical activity level (odds ratio [OR] 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.94, p=0.029), while no association was found for low vs. high education level with high physical activity level (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.25-1.29, p=0.173).

CONCLUSIONS

Medium education level compared with a high education level was associated with a lower level of physical activity in people with type 1 diabetes. Health-care professionals are advised to be attentive of physical activity levels among people with type 1 diabetes.

The Need to Prioritize Education and Resources to Support Exercise in Type 1 Diabetes: Results of an Australian Survey of Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Health Providers

OBJECTIVES

Regular exercise is recommended for people with type 1 diabetes (PWD) to improve their health, but many do not meet recommended exercise targets. Educational resources supporting PWD to exercise exist, but their value is unclear. To determine the need for improved exercise resources in Australia, we surveyed adult PWD and health providers (HPs) about their confidence in managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) around exercise, barriers to exercise, and the adequacy of current resources.

METHODS

Australian adult PWD and HPs completed surveys to rate the importance of exercise in T1D management, confidence in managing T1D around exercise, barriers to giving and receiving education, resources used, and what form new resources should take.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 128 PWD and 122 HPs. Both groups considered exercise to be important for diabetes management. PWD cited time constraints (57%) and concern about dysglycemia (43%) as barriers to exercise, and many lacked confidence in managing T1D around exercise. HPs were more confident, but experienced barriers to providing advice, and PWD did not tend to rely on this advice. Instead, 72% of PWD found continuous glucose monitoring most helpful. Both groups desired better resources to support exercise in T1D, with PWD preferring to obtain information through a structured education program and HPs through eLearning.

CONCLUSIONS

Australian HPs and PWD appreciate the importance of exercise in T1D management and express a clear desire for improved educational resources. Our findings provide a basis for developing a comprehensive package of resources for both adult PWD and HPs, to support exercise in PWD.

The effects of acute hyperglycaemia on sports and exercise performance in type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are advised by health care professionals to target mild hyperglycaemia before and during exercise, to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia. This review aimed to summarise the available evidence on the effects of acute hyperglycaemia on sports and exercise performance in T1D.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched until 29th May 2023 for studies investigating the effects of acute hyperglycaemia on any sports or exercise performance outcome in T1D. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using standardised mean differences (SMD) when more than one study reported data for similar outcomes. Certainty of evidence for each outcome was assessed using GRADE.

RESULTS

Seven studies were included in the review, comprising data from 119 people with T1D. Meta-analysis provided moderate-certainty evidence that acute hyperglycaemia does not significantly affect aerobic exercise performance (SMD -0.17; 95 % CI -0.59, 0.26; p = 0.44). There is low- or very-low certainty evidence that acute hyperglycaemia has no effect on anaerobic (two outcomes), neuromuscular (seven outcomes) or neurocognitive performance (three outcomes), except impaired isometric knee extension strength. One study provided low-certainty evidence that the performance effects of hyperglycaemia may depend on circulating insulin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute hyperglycaemia before or during exercise appears unlikely to affect aerobic performance to an extent that is relevant to most people with T1D, based on limited evidence. Future research in this field should focus on anaerobic, neuromuscular and neurocognitive performance, and examine the relevance of circulating insulin levels.

"It changed everything we do": A mixed methods study of youth and parent experiences with a pilot exercise education intervention following new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

AIMS

This pilot study delivered a comprehensive exercise education intervention to youth with new-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parents to increase knowledge and confidence with physical activity (PA) shortly after diagnosis.

METHODS

Youth initiated continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and PA trackers within 1 month of diagnosis. Youth and their parents received the 4-session intervention over 12 months. Participants completed self-report questionnaires at baseline, 6- and 12-months. Surveys were analyzed using linear mixed effects models. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups explored experiences with the exercise education intervention. Groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 16 parents (aged 46 ± 7 years; 88 % female; 67 % non-Hispanic White) and 17 youth (aged 14 ± 2 years; 41 % female; 65 % non-Hispanic White) participated. Worry about hypoglycemia did not worsen throughout the study duration. Parents and youth reported increased knowledge and confidence in managing T1D safely and preventing hypoglycemia during PA following receiving the tailored exercise education intervention.

CONCLUSION

This study assessed a novel structured exercise education program for youth and their parents shortly following T1D diagnosis. These results support the broad translation and acceptability of a structured exercise education program in new-onset T1D.

Health policy considerations for combining exercise prescription into noncommunicable diseases treatment: a narrative literature review

Objectives

In this review, we aim to highlight the evidence base for the benefits of exercise in relation to the treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), draw on the Health Triangular Policy Framework to outline the principal facilitators and barriers for implementing exercise in health policy, and make concrete suggestions for action.

Methods

Literature review and framework analysis were conducted to deal with the research questions.

Results

Exercise prescription is a safe solution for noncommunicable diseases prevention and treatment that enables physicians to provide and instruct patients how to apply exercise as an important aspect of disease treatment and management. Combining exercise prescription within routine care, in inpatient and outpatient settings, will improve patients' life quality and fitness levels.

Conclusion

Inserting exercise prescription into the healthcare system would improve population health status and healthy lifestyles. The suggestions outlined in this study need combined efforts from the medical profession, governments, and policymakers to facilitate practice into reality in the healthcare arena.

Recommendations from Diabetes UK's 2022 diabetes and physical activity workshop

AIMS

To describe the process and outputs of a workshop convened to identify key priorities for future research in the area of diabetes and physical activity and provide recommendations to researchers and research funders on how best to address them.

METHODS

A 1-day research workshop was conducted, bringing together researchers, people living with diabetes, healthcare professionals, and members of staff from Diabetes UK to identify and prioritise recommendations for future research into physical activity and diabetes.

RESULTS

Workshop attendees prioritised four key themes for further research: (i) better understanding of the physiology of exercise in all groups of people: in particular, what patient metabolic characteristics influence or predict the physiological response to physical activity, and the potential role of physical activity in beta cell preservation; (ii) designing physical activity interventions for maximum impact; (iii) promoting sustained physical activity across the life course; (iv) designing physical activity studies for groups with multiple long-term conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper outlines recommendations to address the current gaps in knowledge related to diabetes and physical activity and calls on the research community to develop applications in these areas and funders to consider how to stimulate research in these areas.

Barriers to Exercise in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance

OBJECTIVE

Our aim in this study was to assess attitudes toward exercise and quality of life (QoL) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with and without insulin resistance (IR).

METHODS

We pooled baseline pretreatment data from a subset of individuals with T1D from 2 randomized controlled trials. Estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), a validated surrogate marker of IR, was calculated using an established formula to classify individuals according to IR status with a cutpoint of <6 mg/kg/min for the determination of IR. Self-reported barriers to exercise were obtained using a validated questionnaire, the Barriers to Physical Activity in T1D (BAPAD-1). In addition, QoL was determined using the 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire. Differences between dichotomized variables were assessed using the independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher exact test. Linear regression was employed to explore the association of eGDR with BAPAD-1 and QoL scores, with sequential adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 85 individuals included in our study, 39 were classified as having IR. The mean BAPAD-1 total score was higher for individuals with IR (IR: 3.87±0.61; non-IR: 2.83±0.55; p<0.001). The highest exercise barrier scores for individuals with IR were risk of hypoglycemia (5.67±1.26) and risk of hyperglycemia (5.23±1.20), whereas the highest scoring exercise barrier scores for non-IR individuals were not diabetes-related, with low level of fitness (3.91±1.26) and physical health status, excluding diabetes (3.67±1.48), ranked highest. QoL scores were comparable between groups (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of hypoglycemia was the greatest barrier to exercise in individuals with T1D with IR, whereas non-diabetes-related barriers to exercise were more salient in individuals with T1D without IR.

Exercise interventions for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review with practical recommendations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic endocrine disease that results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic insulin-producing β cells, which can lead to microvascular (e.g., retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy) and macro-vascular complications (e.g., coronary arterial disease, peripheral artery disease, stroke, and heart failure) as a consequence of chronic hyperglycemia. Despite the widely available and compelling evidence that regular exercise is an efficient strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease and to improve functional capacity and psychological well-being in people with T1DM, over 60% of individuals with T1DM do not exercise regularly. It is, therefore, crucial to devise approaches to motivate patients with T1DM to exercise, to adhere to a training program, and to inform them of its specific characteristics (e.g., exercise mode, intensity, volume, and frequency). Moreover, given the metabolic alterations that occur during acute bouts of exercise in T1DM patients, exercise prescription in this population should be carefully analyzed to maximize its benefits and to reduce its potential risks.

Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity Associated with Psychosocial Outcomes in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

Background

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are particularly vulnerable to poor psychosocial outcomes-high rates of diabetes distress and poor quality of life are common among this cohort. Previous work in the general population demonstrated positive associations between quality of life and increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), as well as decreased sedentary behavior. While survey-based assessments of young adults with T1D observed similar trends, these studies were limited by their use of subjective assessments of MVPA and sedentary behavior. The use of direct activity monitoring is needed to establish the association between psychosocial outcomes and MVPA and sedentary behavior among adolescents with T1D.

Objective

To explore the association between objectively measured MVPA and sedentary behavior on psychosocial outcomes among adolescents with T1D.

Subjects and Methods

The current study is a secondary analysis of baseline data collected for a pilot trial of sleep-promoting intervention for adolescents with T1D. Participants (n = 29, with a mean age of 15.9 ± 1.3 years) completed baseline surveys and wore an actigraph for a week following the baseline visit. We examined minutes per week of MVPA and proportion of awake time spent sedentary in relation to adolescents' diabetes distress, depressive symptoms, and diabetes-related quality of life.

Results

Participants engaged in a mean of 19.6 ± 22.4 minutes of MVPA per day and spent 68.6 ± 9.9% of their awake time sedentary. MVPA was associated with lower diabetes distress in unadjusted (-3.6; 95% CI: -6.4 to -0.8) and adjusted (-2.6; 95% CI: -5.0--0.3) analyses. Sedentary time was associated with higher diabetes distress in adjusted (6.3; 95% CI: 1.3-11.2) but not unadjusted (6.0; 95% CI: -5.6-12.6) analyses. In secondary analyses, we did not observe significant associations between quality of life or depressive symptoms with either MVPA or sedentary behavior.

Discussion

Our findings extend previous survey-based work demonstrating an association between decreased diabetes distress with greater weekly MVPA and lower sedentary time. The current study highlights the multifaceted benefits of physical activity in this population and provides preliminary evidence for developing interventions to reduce sedentary time as an alternative method to improve psychosocial outcomes in this at-risk population.

Design of a Real-Time Physical Activity Detection and Classification Framework for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Managing glycemia during and after exercise events in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging since these events can have wide-ranging effects on glycemia depending on the event timing, type, intensity. To this end, advanced physical activity-informed technologies can be beneficial for improving glucose control.

METHODS

We propose a real-time physical activity detection and classification framework, which builds upon random forest models. This module automatically detects exercise sessions and predicts the activity type and intensity from tri-axial accelerometer, heart rate, and continuous glucose monitoring records.

RESULTS

Data from 19 adults with T1D who performed structured sessions of either aerobic, resistance, or high-intensity interval exercise at varying times of day were used to train and test this framework. The exercise onset and completion were both predicted within 1 minute with an average accuracy of 81% and 78%, respectively. Activity type and intensity were identified within 2.38 minutes and from the exercise onset. On participants assigned to the test set, the average accuracy for activity type and intensity classification was 74% and 73%, respectively, if exercise was announced. For unannounced exercise events, the classification accuracy was 65% for the activity type and 70% for its intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed module showed high performance in detection and classification of exercise in real-time within a minute of exercise onset. Integration of this module into insulin therapy decisions can help facilitate glucose management around physical activity.

Exercise in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Regular physical activity improves cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal health, helps with weight management, improves cognitive and psychosocial functioning, and is associated with reduced mortality related to cancer and diabetes mellitus. However, turnover rates of glucose in the blood increase dramatically during exercise, which often results in either hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia as well as increased glycaemic variability in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). A complex neuroendocrine response to an acute exercise session helps to maintain circulating levels of glucose in a fairly tight range in healthy individuals, while several abnormal physiological processes and limitations of insulin therapy limit the capacity of people with T1DM to exercise in a normoglycaemic state. Knowledge of the acute and chronic effects of exercise and regular physical activity is critical for the formulation of clinical strategies for the management of insulin and nutrition for active patients with T1DM. Emerging diabetes-related technologies, such as continuous glucose monitors, automated insulin delivery systems and the administration of solubilized glucagon, are demonstrating efficacy for preserving glucose homeostasis during and after exercise in this population of patients. This Review highlights the beneficial effects of regular exercise and details the complex endocrine and metabolic responses to different types of exercise for adults with T1DM. An overview of basic clinical strategies for the preservation of glucose homeostasis using emerging technologies is also provided.

"How we do it": A qualitative study of strategies for adopting an exercise routine while living with type 1 diabetes

Introduction

For people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) the challenge of increasing daily physical activity (PA) is compounded by the increased risks of hypoglycemia and glucose variability. Little information exists on the lived experience of overcoming these barriers and adopting and maintaining an active lifestyle while living with T1D.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a patient-led qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews or focus groups with 22 individuals at least 16 years old living with T1D. We used existing patient co-researcher networks and snowball sampling to obtain a sample of individuals who reported being regularly physically active and had been diagnosed with T1D for at least one year. We used an interpretive description analysis to generate themes and strategies associated with maintaining an active lifestyle while living with T1D. We involved patient co-researchers in study design, data collection, and interpretation.

Results

14 self-identified women and 8 self-identified men (ages 19-62, median age 32 years) completed the study, led by either a researcher, or a patient co-researcher and research assistant regarding their strategies for maintaining an active lifestyle. We identified five themes that facilitate regular sustained PA: (1) Structure and organization are important to adopt safe PA in daily life "I can't do spontaneous exercise. I actually need a couple hours of warning minimum"; (2) Trial and error to learn how their body responds to PA and food "Once you put the time and effort into learning, you will have greater success"; (3) Psychosocial aspects of PA "…because it's not just your body, it's your soul, it's your mind that exercise is for"; (4) Diabetes technology and (5) Education and peer support. Strategies to overcome barriers included (1) Technology; (2) Integrating psychosocial facilitators; (3) Insulin and carbohydrate adjustments; and (4) Planning for exercise.

Conclusions

Living an active lifestyle with T1D is facilitated by dedicated structure and organization of routines, accepting the need for trial and error to understand the personalized glycemic responses to PA and careful use of food to prevent hypoglycemia. These themes could inform clinical practice guidelines or future trials that include PA interventions.

Perceptions of fracture and fall risk and of the benefits and barriers to exercise in adults with diabetes

The increased risk of fractures and falls is under-appreciated by adults living with diabetes and by their healthcare providers. Strategies to overcome perceived exercise barriers and exercise programs optimized for bone health should be implemented.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to assess the perceptions of fracture and fall risk, and the perceived benefits of and barriers to exercise in adults ≥ 50 years old living with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Participants were recruited through social media and from medical clinics and invited to complete a self-administered online survey, comprising 38 close-ended questions and 4 open-ended questions.

RESULTS

A total of 446 participants completed the survey: 38% T1D, 59% T2D, and 3% with unreported diabetes type. Most participants did not believe that having diabetes increased their risk of fractures (81%) nor falls (68%), and more than 90% reported having not been informed about diabetes-related fracture risk by their physicians. Among exercise types, participation in moderate aerobic exercise was most common (54%), while only 31%, 32%, and 37% of participants engaged in strenuous aerobic, resistance, and balance/flexibility exercise, respectively. The most prevalent barrier to exercise for both T1D and T2D was a lack of motivation, reported by 54% of participants. Lack of time and fear of hypoglycemia were common exercise barriers reported by participants with T1D. Most participants owned a smart phone (69%), tablet (60%), or computer (56%), and 46% expressed an interest in partaking in virtually delivered exercise programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Adults living with diabetes have limited awareness of increased fall and fracture risk. These risks are insufficiently highlighted by health care providers; strategies to overcome perceived exercise barriers and exercise programs optimized for bone health should be implemented.

Precision medicine in type 1 diabetes

First envisioned by early diabetes clinicians, a person-centred approach to care was an aspirational goal that aimed to match insulin therapy to each individual's unique requirements. In the 100 years since the discovery of insulin, this goal has evolved to include personalised approaches to type 1 diabetes diagnosis, treatment, prevention and prediction. These advances have been facilitated by the recognition of type 1 diabetes as an autoimmune disease and by advances in our understanding of diabetes pathophysiology, genetics and natural history, which have occurred in parallel with advancements in insulin delivery, glucose monitoring and tools for self-management. In this review, we discuss how these personalised approaches have improved diabetes care and how improved understanding of pathogenesis and human biology might inform precision medicine in the future.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of an Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery System in People with Type 1 Diabetes in Greece

AbstractIntroduction: Usage of automated insulin delivery systems is increasing for the treatment of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study compared long-term cost-effectiveness of the Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop MiniMed 780G (AHCL) system versus sensor augmented pump (SAP) system with predictive low glucose management (PLGM) or multiple daily injections (MDI) plus intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) in people with T1D in Greece. Methods: Analyses were performed using the IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model, with clinical input data sourced from various studies. In the AHCL versus SAP plus PLGM analysis, patients were assumed to have 7.5% baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), when comparing AHCL with MDI plus isCGM baseline HbA1c was assumed to be 7.8%. HbA1c was reduced to 7.0% following AHCL treatment initiation but remained at baseline levels in the comparator arms. Analyses were performed from a societal perspective over a lifetime time horizon. Future costs and clinical outcomes were discounted at 1.5% per annum. Results: AHCL was associated with increased quality-adjusted life expectancy of 0.284 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and EUR 10,173 lower mean total lifetime costs with SAP plus PLGM. Compared with MDI plus isCGM, AHCL was associated with increased quality-adjusted life expectancy of 2.708 QALYs, EUR 76,396 higher mean total lifetime costs, and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of EUR 29,869 per QALY. Extensive sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of results. Conclusions: Over patient lifetime, the MiniMed 780G system is likely to be cost saving compared with the SAP plus PLGM system and cost-effective compared with MDI plus isCGM in people with T1D in Greece.

Cost-Effectiveness of Hybrid Closed Loop Insulin Pumps Versus Multiple Daily Injections Plus Intermittently Scanned Glucose Monitoring in People With Type 1 Diabetes in The Netherlands

INTRODUCTION

Hybrid closed loop (HCL) insulin pump systems and intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (IS-CGM) are increasingly used by individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The aim of the analysis was to compare the long-term cost-effectiveness of the MiniMed 670G HCL system versus IS-CGM plus multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in adults with T1D in the Netherlands.

METHODS

The analysis was performed using the IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model with clinical input data sourced from observational studies. Simulated patients were assumed to have a baseline HbA1c of 7.8%. Use of the MiniMed 670G system was assumed to reduce HbA1c by 0.4% and confer a quality-of-life (QoL) benefit through reduced fear of hypoglycemia (FoH). The analysis was performed from a societal perspective over a lifetime time horizon; future costs and clinical outcomes pertaining to the Netherlands were used and discounted at 4% and 1.5% per annum, respectively.

RESULTS

Use of the MiniMed 670G HCL system was projected to improve mean quality-adjusted life expectancy by 2.231 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) versus IS-CGM. Total mean lifetime costs were EUR 13,683 higher with the MiniMed 670G system resulting in an ICER of EUR 6133 per QALY gained. Sensitivity analyses revealed findings to be sensitive to changes in assumptions around severe hypoglycemic event rates and the (QoL) benefit associated with reduced FoH.

CONCLUSIONS

Over patient lifetimes, for adults with long-standing T1D in the Netherlands, use of the MiniMed 670G system is projected to be cost-effective versus IS-CGM plus MDI or CSII.

Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity Participation among Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Scoping Review

Background: Children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) have low levels of physical activity (PA). Understanding factors influencing the PA participation of this population is essential to the design of effective interventions. The purposes of this study were to identify and map the barriers and facilitators of PA participation among children and adolescents with ID. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with established methodology. Articles were evaluated for relevance using predetermined inclusion criteria in eight databases. Extracted barriers and facilitators were classified using the social ecological model as individual, interpersonal, or environmental factors. Results: Thirty-two studies published between 1992 and 2020 were included (24 quantitative, 6 qualitative, and 2 mixed-method). Thirty-four factors were identified. The most commonly reported barriers included disability-specific factors, low self-efficacy, lack of parental support, inadequate or inaccessible facilities, and lack of appropriate programs. The most commonly reported facilitators included high self-efficacy, enjoyment of PA, sufficient parental support, social interaction with peers, attending school physical education (PE) classes, and adapted PA programs. Conclusions: Continued exploration of factors influencing PA participation is required among children and adolescents with ID. Future interventions should involve families, schools, and wider support network in promoting their PA participation together.

The Cost-Effectiveness of an Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop System in People with Type 1 Diabetes: a Health Economic Analysis in Sweden

INTRODUCTION

Swedish National Diabetes Registry data show a correlation of improved glycemic control in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with increased use of diabetes technologies over the past 25 years. However, novel technologies are often associated with a high initial outlay. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term cost-effectiveness of the advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) MiniMed 780G system versus intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) plus self-injection of multiple daily insulin (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in people with T1D in Sweden.

METHODS

Outcomes were projected over patients' lifetimes using the IQVIA CORE Diabetes Model (v9.0). Clinical data, including changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hypoglycemia rates, were sourced from observational studies and a randomized crossover trial. Modeled patients were assumed to receive the treatments for their lifetimes, with HbA1c kept constant following the application of treatment effects. Costs were accounted from a societal perspective and expressed in Swedish krona (SEK). Utilities and days off work estimates were taken from published sources.

RESULTS

The MiniMed 780G system was associated with an improvement in life expectancy of 0.16 years and an improvement in quality-adjusted life expectancy of 1.95 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) versus isCGM plus MDI or CSII. These clinical benefits were due to a reduced incidence and a delayed time to onset of diabetes-related complications. Combined costs were estimated to be SEK 727,408 (EUR 72,741) higher with MiniMed 780G, with treatment costs partially offset by direct cost savings from the avoidance of diabetes-related complications and indirect cost savings from the avoidance of lost workplace productivity. The MiniMed 780G system was associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SEK 373,700 per QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a willingness-to-pay threshold of SEK 500,000 per QALY gained, the MiniMed 780G system was projected to be cost-effective versus isCGM plus MDI or CSII for the treatment of T1D in Sweden.

Acceptability of Self-Management Group Education to Reduce Fear of Hypoglycemia as a Barrier to Physical Activity in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Mixed Methods Approach

OBJECTIVES

Mixed methods were used to evaluate a group self-management education intervention to address type 1 diabetes (T1D)-specific barriers to physical activity (PA). We evaluated the acceptability of study resources and procedures.

METHODS

Consenting participants from a quantitative evaluation (n=70) were invited to participate in 1 of 5 focus groups. Interviews explored the acceptability of procedures across the randomized controlled trial schedule, acceptability of the intervention/control workshops and resources and the perceived effectiveness of the intervention/control on participant outcomes. The use and helpfulness of intervention take-home resources, Facebook data and fidelity coding were also examined to inform other aspects of intervention acceptability.

RESULTS

Twenty-one focus group participants from control or intervention arms participated in 1 of the 5 focus groups. Participants were 46±10 years of age; about half were female and had been living with T1D for 23±16 years. Study procedures were widely accepted; however, randomization and some aspects of the questionnaire were of concern to a small number of participants. Group education was acceptable and preferred, but participants expressed ambivalence toward the private Facebook group. Control participants indicated that basic information on PA guidelines and hypoglycemia risk are not currently being provided in standard care. Fidelity assessment confirmed the intervention was delivered consistently and was facilitated using behaviours and communication skills based on Social Cognitive Theory.

CONCLUSIONS

Future definitive evaluation of this promising intervention should utilize a blinded randomized controlled trial study design. Alterations to the control workshop are required to better reflect standard care in Australia. Our qualitative findings suggest that group education can be an acceptable and preferred method of education in T1D management for PA.