Validation of Time in Range as an Outcome Measure for Diabetes Clinical Trials

Evaluation of glycemia risk index and continuous glucose monitoring-derived metrics in type 1 diabetes: a real-world observational study

Objectives

The Glycemia Risk Index (GRI) quantifies the risk of glycemic events by considering both hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes, offering a comprehensive evaluation of glycemia. While associations between GRI and various glycometric indicators have been established in clinical trials using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), real-world assessments, particularly with intermittent scanning CGM (isCGM), are underexplored. This study examines these associations and their clinical implications in individuals with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study involving individuals with T1D undergoing intensive insulin therapy. All participants had used isCGM for at least three months. We collected clinical, metabolic, and glycemic data and calculated the GRI, with its components for hypoglycemia (CHypo) and hyperglycemia (CHyper). We then assessed the correlation between the GRI and traditional glycemic metrics in relation to the coefficient of variation (CV).

Results

The study included 194 patients (105 males, 89 females) with a median age of 21.5 years for adults and 16 years for adolescents. Of these, 62.4% were on multiple daily injections, and 37.6% used insulin pumps. GRI showed a significant negative correlation with Time in Range (%TIR70 - 180) (p  < 0.001) and a positive association with various glycemic measures such as glycemic variability (r = 0.33, p < 0.001). Individuals with lower glycemic variability (CV< 36%) had significantly higher %TIR70 - 180 (63% vs. 39%, p < 0.01) and lower GRI (40 vs. 45.8, p < 0.01), CHyper (20 vs. 24, p = 0.01), and CHypo (2.6 vs. 3.4, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

GRI correlates with key glycemic metrics, indicating its potential utility in comprehensive glycemia assessment. These findings highlight the importance of individualized treatment approaches and suggest GRI's clinical relevance in optimizing glycemic management strategies for individuals with T1D.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-025-01569-w.

Once-weekly Basal Insulin Fc versus daily insulin degludec for glycemic control in diabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

Introduction

Diabetes management often requires insulin therapy, yet adherence to daily injections can be challenging due to complexity, injection pain, and fear of hypoglycemia. Basal Insulin Fc (BIF) is a novel once-weekly insulin analog designed to simplify regimens, improve adherence, and enhance glycemic control. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of BIF compared to once-daily insulin degludec.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library, along with ClinicalTrials.gov, was conducted up to November 2024 to identify RCTs comparing BIF with insulin degludec. The search employed MeSH terms like "type 1 diabetes mellitus," "type 2 diabetes mellitus," "once weekly basal insulin Fc," and "insulin degludec." Studies were screened in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and data on glycemic outcomes, safety, and patient demographics were extracted. Statistical analysis included pooled mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and sensitivity analyses were conducted for cases of high heterogeneity. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses assessed moderators such as diabetes type, insulin status, follow-up duration, and heterogeneity.

Results

Five RCTs with 2,562 participants (Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes) were included. BIF showed non-inferiority to degludec in HbA1c reduction (MD 0.03, p = 0.37) and percentage time in range (MD 0.56, p = 0.27). No significant differences were observed in self-monitored fasting blood glucose (MD 2.73, p = 0.40) or clinically significant hypoglycemia (RR 1.00, p = 0.95). However, BIF increased time spent below range (MD 0.30, p = 0.0004) and was associated with higher treatment-emergent adverse events (RR 1.12, p = 0.006). The subgroup analysis highlighted differences in hypoglycemia risks between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

BIF offers comparable glycemic control to insulin degludec while reducing injection frequency, potentially enhancing adherence. However, increased hypoglycemia risks in certain subgroups and higher adverse event rates warrant further evaluation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-025-01602-y.

Characterisation of transfusion-dependent prediabetes using continuous glucose monitoring: The Haemoglycare study

AIMS

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) may help detect early dysglycemia in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia (TDT) patients, though previous reports suggest it may overestimate prediabetes prevalence. This study analyzed glucose-related metrics in TDT patients with negative diabetes screening tests, compared with healthy controls. A secondary objective was to assess the association between TAR140 > 6 % and clinical/laboratory characteristics of patients.

METHODS

Patients resulted negative to the screening tests for glucose disorders were compared to healthy controls using CGM system for 7 days.

RESULTS

This study involved 39 participants (19 patients, 20 controls). HbA1c was falsely elevated in patients, despite normal mean glucose and GMI. Standard deviations and coefficients of variation were higher in patients than controls. No healthy control but 7/19 (37 %) TDT patients presented the interval TAR140 > 6 %. Significant differences were observed between "really euglycaemic" TDT patients (TAR140 ≤ 6 %) and "hyperglycemic" ones (TAR140 > 6 %) in terms of GMI, mean glucose and TAR140%. Comparing the glucose metrics of TDT euglycaemic patients (TAR140 ≤ 6 %) and healthy controls, no significant difference was reported. No differences in iron overload indexes were found between the hyperglycemia and euglycemia groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CGM reliably detects prediabetes in 37 % of TDT patients. TAR140 > 6 % may serve as a diagnostic cutoff.

Correlation between key indicators of continuous glucose monitoring and the risk of diabetic foot

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, such as time in range (TIR) and glycemic risk index (GRI), have been linked to various diabetes-related complications, including diabetic foot (DF).

AIM

To investigate the association between CGM-derived indicators and the risk of DF in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A total of 591 individuals with T2DM (297 with DF and 294 without DF) were enrolled. Relevant clinical data, complications, comorbidities, hematological parameters, and 72-hour CGM data were collected. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between these measurements and the risk of DF.

RESULTS

Individuals with DF exhibited higher mean blood glucose (MBG) levels and increased proportions of time above range (TAR), TAR level 1, and TAR level 2, but lower TIR (all P < 0.001). Patients with DF had significantly lower rates of achieving target ranges for TIR, TAR, and TAR level 2 than those without DF (all P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that GRI, MBG, and TAR level 1 were positively associated with DF risk, while TIR was inversely correlated (all P < 0.05). Achieving TIR and TAR was inversely correlated with white blood cell count and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels (P < 0.05). Additionally, achieving TAR was influenced by fasting plasma glucose, body mass index, diabetes duration, and antidiabetic medication use.

CONCLUSION

CGM metrics, particularly TIR and GRI, are significantly associated with the risk of DF in T2DM, emphasizing the importance of improved glucose control.

Advancing Telemedicine Using Smart Insulin Pens with Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Telecommunication Systems: A Case Series

Background: Multiple daily injections (MDIs) have been a mainstay for insulin delivery by persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). "Smart" insulin pens (SIPs) offer several advantages over traditional insulin pens, such as a memory function, bolus calculator, and reminders for patients to take their insulin. SIPs can integrate with CGM, allowing for the collection of accurate insulin and glucose data, which can integrate into combined reports. Using these technologies along with telecommunication modalities provides an infrastructure to improve the way in which healthcare can be delivered to those with diabetes. Methods: Four cases of uncontrolled T1DM managed by MDIs (and not insulin pumps) and deemed to have plateaued in their management were selected to retrospectively review to identify potential advantages of SIP/CGM along with telemedicine as a method of care delivery. Results: This case series revealed potential benefits of this model of care delivery, such as the ability to identify dysglycemia patterns not discernible prior to the use of SIP/CGM, use combined reports as a visual education tool to provide targeted insulin and dietary education, and improve patient engagement in diabetes self-care behaviors. Conclusions: We described the benefits of using SIPs and CGM technologies along with telecommunication solutions, as a novel concept for a comprehensive telemedicine system, to improve management of glycemic control and diabetes self-management capabilities.

Mealtime Insulin BOLUS Score More Strongly Predicts HbA1c Than the Self-Care Inventory in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

To meet their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) goals, youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) need to engage with their daily T1D treatment. The mealtime insulin Bolus score (BOLUS) is an objective measure of youth's T1D engagement which we have previously shown to be superior to other objective engagement measures in predicting youth's HbA1c. Here, to further assess the BOLUS score's validity, we compared the strengths of the associations between youth's HbA1c with their mean insulin BOLUS score and a valid, self-report measure of T1D engagement, the Self-Care Inventory (SCI).

METHODS

One-hundred and five youth with T1D self-reported their T1D engagement using the SCI. We also collected two weeks of insulin pump data and a concurrent HbA1c level. We scored youth's SCI and calculated their mean insulin BOLUS score using standardized methods. For the analyses, we performed simple correlations, partial correlations, and multiple regression models.

RESULTS

Youth had a mean age of 15.03 ± 1.97 years, mean time since diagnosis of 8.11 ± 3.26 years, and a mean HbA1c of 8.78 ± 1.49%. The sample included n = 58 boys (55%) and n = 96 families (91%) self-identified as white. Simple correlations between youth's age, HbA1c, SCI total score, and BOLUS score were all significant. Partial correlation and regression models revealed that youth's insulin BOLUS score was more strongly associated with HbA1c than the SCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Youths' BOLUS score has better concurrent validity with HbA1c than the SCI. We should consider reporting the BOLUS score as an outcome metric in insulin pump data reports.

Effectiveness and safety of iGlarLixi in people with type 2 diabetes not at target on basal insulin and oral antidiabetic therapy in a prospective observational trial

AIMS

This study assessed efficacy and safety of the fixed ratio combination iGlarLixi 100/33 (insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide 33 μg/mL) in people with type 2 diabetes (PwT2D) in daily clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This non-interventional, multicentre, prospective, single-arm 24-week study documented PwT2D with an HbA1c of 7.5%-10.0%, currently treated with a basal insulin supported oral therapy (BOT) in German primary care facilities, after the physician had decided to change treatment to iGlarLixi 100/33, independent of study participation. Primary end-point was the absolute change in HbA1c (%) from baseline.

RESULTS

Of 93 participants included, 70 comprised the full analysis set for efficacy assessment. Approximately 24 weeks after switching to iGlarLixi 100/33 HbA1c (mean ± standard deviation) changed from 8.52 ± 0.82% by -0.74 ± 0.81% to 7.74 ± 0.76%, FPG from 174.3 ± 44.6 mg/dL (9.67 ± 2.48 mmol/L) by -32.9 ± 46.3 mg/dL (-1.83 ± 2.57 mmol/L) to 141.4 ± 34.1 mg/dL (7.85 ± 1.89 mmol/L) and body weight from 104.3 ± 22.5 kg by -3.0 ± 7.5 kg to 101.3 ± 21.6 kg (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, use of DPP4 inhibitors was significantly reduced from 34.8% to 6.8% of participants. Derived (from 7-point self-measured plasma glucose) time in range (TIR) increased and time above range (TAR) decreased after 24 weeks to target ranges (all p < 0.05). Flash glucose monitoring data of 20 patients showed similar patterns for TIR and TAR, respectively, and a reduction in time below range (p = 0.007). Hypoglycaemia events did not change significantly and were low in number. No severe hypoglycaemia was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Modifying antiglycaemic treatment from a BOT regimen to iGlarLixi 100/33 in suboptimal controlled PwT2D in daily clinical practice improved glycaemic control without increasing hypoglycaemia and with favourable body weight change.

The Virtual DCCT: Adding Continuous Glucose Monitoring to a Landmark Clinical Trial for Prediction of Microvascular Complications

Objective: Using a multistep machine-learning procedure, add virtual continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) traces to the original sparse data of the landmark Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). Assess the association of CGM metrics with the microvascular complications of type 1 diabetes observed during the DCCT and establish time-in-range (TIR) as a viable marker of glycemic control. Research Design and Methods: Utilizing the DCCT glycated hemoglobin data obtained every 1 or 3 months plus quarterly 7-point blood glucose (BG) profiles in a multistep procedure: (i) utilized archival BG traces to model interday BG variability and estimate glycated hemoglobin; (ii) trained across the DCCT BG profiles and associated each profile with an archival BG trace; and (iii) used previously identified CGM "motifs" to associate a CGM trace to a BG trace, for each DCCT participant. Results: TIR (70-180 mg/dL) computed from virtual CGM data over 14 days prior to each glycated hemoglobin measurement reproduced the observed glycemic control differences between the intensive and conventional DCCT groups, with TIR generally >60% and <40% in these groups, respectively. Similar to glycated hemoglobin, TIR was associated with the risk of development or progression of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy (all P-values <0.0001). Poisson regressions indicated that TIR predicted retinopathy and microalbuminuria similarly to the original glycated hemoglobin data. Conclusions: The landmark DCCT was revisited using contemporary data science methods, which allowed adding individual CGM traces to the original data. Fourteen-day CGM metrics predicted microvascular diabetes complications similarly to glycated hemoglobin. Clinical Trials Registration: Not a clinical trial.

Glycemic Targets and Prevention of Complications

CONTEXT

Complications of diabetes mellitus have significant impacts on morbidity, mortality, quality of life, and health costs for individuals. Setting and achieving glycemic targets to prevent these complications is a top priority when managing diabetes. However, patients often already have complications when diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, methods to prevent disease progression become a crucial component of diabetes management. The purpose of this article is to review glycemic targets and methods of screening and managing diabetes-related complications.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A PubMed review of the literature pertaining to diabetes mellitus, glycemic targets, microvascular complications, and macrovascular complications was conducted. We reviewed articles published between 1993 and 2024. Guidelines published by nationally recognized organizations in the fields of diabetes, nephrology, and cardiology were referenced. Public health statistics obtained by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Kidney Foundation were used.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Achieving glycemic targets and screening for diabetes-related complications at appropriate intervals remains the key factor for early detection and intervention. An algorithmic approach to glycemic management based on individual risk factors is beneficial in choosing pharmacotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The consequences of diabetes-related complications can be detrimental. However, achieving and maintaining glycemic targets combined with diligent screening, reduction of risk factors, and prompt treatment can halt disease progression.

Intervention to reduce barriers to type 1 diabetes self-management: Diabetes Journey study design and participant characteristics

Most adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) encounter barriers to achieving optimal glycemia, including effective planning and monitoring their T1D and problem-solving, and following through with T1D treatment decisions. Thus, the overall aim of Diabetes Journey, a randomized controlled clinical trial, was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a novel, amusement park-themed, web-based mobile health (mHealth) intervention tailored for adolescents who experienced barriers to T1D self-management. Secondary aims included examining post-intervention changes in T1D health-related quality of life, T1D self-management behaviors, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). This article describes the study rationale, recruitment, design, and baseline characteristics of the adolescents (aged 12-17 years) who were randomized to one of two groups: Diabetes Journey or Enhanced Standard of Care. Diabetes Journey focused on reducing challenges related to stress, burnout, time pressure, and planning through the delivery of 5-8 intervention sessions using a problem-solving framework. Enhanced Standard of Care participants attended 4 education sessions focused on similar topics through the T1D Toolkit© website (educational content and brief videos about T1D). Adolescents (N = 195) were recruited with n = 162 randomized (Mage = 14.8 ± 1.6 years; 50 % female, 88 % White; HbA1c% = 8.2 ± 1.8; 86 % on insulin pumps). Diabetes Journey was impacted by COVID-19 and modifications to the study design were warranted. Future directions include examining the impact of Diabetes Journey on primary and secondary outcomes, while accounting for the impact of COVID-19.

Correlation Between A1c and Continuous Glucose Monitor Time in Range in a Cohort of Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) is the standard for glycemic control in type 1 diabetes. With recent increase in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), other metrics (time in range 70-180 mg/dL [TIR]) are increasingly available. Data are limited for youth. We evaluated the association between A1c and time in range in a large pediatric cohort. We included patients from 2018 through 2020, aged <22 years with ≥70% CGM usage (n = 2393). A linear correlation between A1c and TIR was observed (correlation coefficient -0.73), similar to studies in adults. Each 1% increase in A1c was associated with a 9.1% lower TIR. The R2 for A1c versus mean sensor glucose was 0.66 (P < 0.001) and A1c versus TIR was 0.55 (P < 0.001). TIR correlates with A1c in children with type 1 diabetes. TIR should be considered alongside A1c. Further research is warranted to establish long-term outcomes associated with TIR in children.

Low-carbohydrate diet proved effective and safe for youths with type 1 diabetes: A randomised trial

AIM

Low-carbohydrate (LC) diets have gained popularity. We compared glycaemic and metabolic parameters following an LC versus a Mediterranean (MED) diet in adolescents and youths with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

In a six-month, open-label, randomised trial, 40 individuals were assigned to either diet. Glycaemic outcomes, based on continuous glucose monitoring, included per cent time of blood glucose in the range [3.9-10.0 mmol/L (70-180 mg/dL)] and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight (70%) were females. The median age was 18 years. After 6 months, the median time in range increased from 47% to 58% in the LC and from 52% to 64% in the MED diet group (p = 0.98). The delta values for the time in range were 16% and 7% for the respective groups (p = 0.09). The percentage of time >13.9 mmol/L (>250 mg/dL) improved more in the LC diet than in the MED diet group: -10% vs. -2% (p = 0.005). The percentage of time <3.0 mmol/L (<54 mg/dL) was comparable. The delta HbA1c improved in both groups: -0.7% vs. -0.1% (p = 0.02). Changes in BMI Z-score and lipid levels were similar.

CONCLUSION

Both diets improved glycaemic outcomes in adolescents and youths with type 1 diabetes, without increasing hypoglycaemia or cardiovascular risk factors, indicating comparable safety and efficacy.

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024 Diabetes Technologies: Glucose Monitoring

The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and summarizes recent advances in the technology behind glucose monitoring, and its role in glucose-responsive integrated technology that is feasible with the use of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in children and adolescents. The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and summarizes recent advances in the technology behind glucose monitoring, and its role in glucose-responsive integrated technology that is feasible with the use of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in children and adolescents.

Effect of Imeglimin, a Novel Anti-Diabetic Agent, on Insulin Secretion and Glycemic Variability in Type 2 Diabetes Treated with DPP-4 Inhibitor: A 16-Week, Open Label, Pilot Study

Purpose

Imeglimin is a novel oral antidiabetic agent that improves glucose tolerance. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of combining imeglimin with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4i), the most frequently prescribed first-line treatment for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Japan, to improve glycemic control.

Patients and Methods

Eleven patients with T2D treated with DPP-4i alone (6.5% ≤ hemoglobin A1C [HbA1c] < 10%) received 1000 mg imeglimin twice daily for 16 weeks. A meal tolerance test (MTT) was conducted on seven of these patients to assess parameters associated with islet function or insulin tolerance, such as homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-β-cell function (HOMA-β), HOMA-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), C-peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) index, and glucagon kinetics. Continuous glucose monitoring was conducted to evaluate parameters for glycemic variability.

Results

Sixteen weeks after imeglimin administration, the HbA1c level improved from 7.5%±1.3% to 6.5%±0.5% (p < 0.05), the casual blood glucose level significantly improved from 168.2±55.4 to 127.8±20.0 mg/dL (p=0.027), time in range increased from 65.0%±0.34% to 90.0%±0.08% (p < 0.05), and time above range reduced from 34.0%±0.034% to 9.0%±0.08% (p < 0.05). During MTT, we observed significantly reduced area under the curve (AUC)0-180 glucose, increased AUC0-180 CPR/AUC0-180 glucose, CPR index, and HOMA-β (p<0.05). HOMA-IR and glucagon kinetics did not change with the addition of imeglimin.

Conclusion

The addition of imeglimin to DPP-4i significantly improved glycemic control and glycemic variability, based on increased glucose-induced insulin secretion, indicating its potential as a therapeutic option for patients with T2D.

Do continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics predict macrovascular and microvascular complications in diabetes? The FACULTY protocol of a retrospective real-world cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is currently the gold standard for assessing glycaemic control in diabetes, given the established relationship with microvascular and macrovascular complications in this condition. However, HbA1c is affected by non-glycaemic factors, while also failing to provide data on hypoglycaemic exposure and glucose variability, which are associated with adverse vascular outcomes. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived glucose metrics provide a more comprehensive assessment of glycaemia, but their role in predicting future vascular complications remains unclear. Here, we present the protocol for a real-world cohort study, aiming to establish the relationship between CGM-derived glycaemic metrics and the incidence of macrovascular and/or microvascular complications in people with diabetes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This cohort study will use data from all CGM new users (FreeStyle Libre system) in France who uploaded their glycaemic values onto the LibreView cloud-based system, linked with data from the French nationwide Système National des Données de Santé claims database. The study is expected to include a minimum of 70 000 individuals with diabetes with a first date of glucose data upload to the LibreView platform after 1 January 2018 and with a 6-year follow-up period. The primary outcomes are the first occurrence of new macrovascular or microvascular complications, analysed as a composite outcome and separately. Secondary outcomes will include all-cause mortality and hospital admissions for any cause. This longitudinal study will provide key data on the relationship between CGM-derived glycaemic metrics and micro/macrovascular complications in diabetes. This will have an impact on routine clinical practice by setting targets for the different glycaemic markers, based on robust outcome data, thus helping to optimise glucose management in diabetes.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study data-collection protocol is approved by the French National Commission for Informatics and Liberties, including approval from the Comité Ethique et Scientifique pour les Recherches, les Etudes et les Evaluations dans le domaine de la Santé. This study complies with French and European regulations, including those relating to the General Data Protection Regulation. This study uses pseudonymous information, not requiring informed consent. Dissemination plans include full publication of the study outcomes in peer-reviewed journal(s) with open access and presentations at national and international diabetes and cardiovascular conferences.

Seasonal fluctuations of CGM metrics in individuals with type 1 diabetes using an intermittently scanned CGM device or sensor augmented pump

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the fluctuations in glucose levels measured using CGM-metrics during the four distinct seasons of the year in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) using an intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) device or sensor augmented pump (SAP).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study enrolled 93 individuals with T1DM who were equipped with an isCGM device or SAP at Kobe University Hospital. The subjects had a median age of 47.0 years [interquartile range, 37.0-62.0 years], 25 individuals (26.9%) were male, median body mass index was 22.0 kg/m2 [20.8-23.8 kg/m2], and median hemoglobin A1c level was 7.4% [6.9-8.0%]. CGM data were reviewed from January to December 2019, and the mean sensor glucose (SG) value, time above range (TAR), time in range (TIR), time below range (TBR), and standard deviation (SD) of SG were calculated for each season (spring, March-May; summer, June-August; autumn, September-November; winter, December-February).

RESULTS

Seasonal fluctuations were detected for mean SG, TAR, TIR, and SD, with TIR being lower and mean SG, TAR, and SD being higher in cold seasons (spring or winter) than in warm seasons (summer or autumn).

CONCLUSION

Seasonal fluctuations in CGM metrics should be taken into account in future studies performed to evaluate the favorable impact of CGM on glycemic management in individuals with T1DM.

Real-World Performance of First- Versus Second-Generation Automated Insulin Delivery Systems on a Pediatric Population With Type 1 Diabetes: A One-Year Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this single-center observational study was to assess the real-world performance of first- and second-generation automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in a cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes over a one-year follow-up.

METHODS

Demographic, anamnestic, and clinical data of the study cohort were collected at the start of automatic mode. Data on continuous glucose monitoring metrics, system settings, insulin requirements, and anthropometric parameters at three different time points (start period, six months, 12 months) were retrospectively gathered and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-four individuals (55.6% of females) aged 7 to 18 years switching to AID therapy were included in the analysis. Two weeks after starting automatic mode, subjects using advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) showed a better response than hybrid closed-loop (HCL) users in terms of time in range (P = .016), time above range 180 to 250 mg/dl (P = .022), sensor mean glucose (P = .047), and glycemia risk index (P = .012). After 12 months, AHCL group maintained better mean sensor glucose (P = .021) and glucose management indicator (P = .027). Noteworthy, both HCL and AHCL users achieved the recommended clinical targets over the entire study period. The second-generation AID system registered longer time spent with automatic mode activated and fewer shifts to manual mode at every time point (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both systems showed sustained and successful glycemic outcomes in the first year of use. However, AHCL users achieved tighter glycemic targets, without an increase of hypoglycemia risk. Improved usability of the device may also have contributed to optimal glycemic outcomes by ensuring better continuity of the automatic mode activation.

Current Perspective on the Potential Benefits of Smart Insulin Pens on Glycemic Control in Patients With Diabetes: Spanish Delphi Consensus

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, and glycemic control is key to avoiding complications. Technological innovations have led to the development of new tools to help patients with DM manage their condition.

OBJECTIVE

This consensus assesses the current perspective of physicians on the potential benefits of using smart insulin pens in the glycemic control of patients with type 1 diabetes (DM1) in Spain.

METHODS

The Delphi technique was used by 110 physicians who were experts in managing patients with DM1. The questionnaire consisted of 94 questions.

RESULTS

The consensus obtained was 95.74%. The experts recommended using the ambulatory glucose profile report and the different time-in-range (TIR) metrics to assess poor glycemic control. Between 31% and 65% of patients had TIR values less than 70% and were diagnosed based on glycosylated hemoglobin values. They believed that less than 10% of patients needed to remember to administer the basal insulin dose and between 10% and 30% needed to remember the prandial insulin dose.

CONCLUSIONS

The perception of physicians in their usual practice leads them to recommend the use of ambulatory glucose profile and time in range for glycemic control. Forgetting to administer insulin is a very common problem and the actual occurrence rate does not correspond with clinicians' perceptions. Technological improvements and the use of smart insulin pens can increase treatment adherence, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and help improve patients' education and quality of life.

Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring compared with blood glucose monitoring is associated with lower HbA1c and a reduced risk of hospitalisation for diabetes-related complications in adults with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapies

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

We assessed the impact of initiating intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) compared with capillary blood glucose monitoring (BGM) on HbA1c levels and hospitalisations for diabetes-related complications in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes in Sweden.

METHODS

This retrospective comparative cohort study included adults with type 2 diabetes who had a National Diabetes Register initiation date for isCGM after 1 June 2017. Prescribed Drug Register records identified subgroups treated with multiple daily insulin injections (T2D-MDI) or basal insulin (T2D-B), with or without other glucose-lowering drugs. The National Patient Register provided data on hospitalisation rates.

RESULTS

We identified 2876 adults in the T2D-MDI group and 2292 in the T2D-B group with an isCGM index date after 1 June 2017, matched with 33,584 and 43,424 BGM control participants, respectively. The baseline-adjusted difference in the change in mean HbA1c for isCGM users vs BGM control participants in the T2D-MDI cohort was -3.7 mmol/mol (-0.34%) at 6 months, and this was maintained at 24 months. The baseline-adjusted difference in the change in HbA1c for isCGM users vs BGM control participants in the T2D-B cohort was -3.5 mmol/mol (-0.32%) at 6 months, and this was also maintained at 24 months. Compared with BGM control participants, isCGM users in the T2D-MDI cohort had a significantly lower RR of admission for severe hypoglycaemia (0.51; 95% CI 0.27, 0.95), stroke (0.54; 95% CI 0.39, 0.73), acute non-fatal myocardial infarction (0.75; 95% CI 0.57, 0.99) or hospitalisation for any reason (0.84; 95% CI 0.77, 0.90). isCGM users in the T2D-B cohort had a lower RR of admission for heart failure (0.63; 95% CI 0.46, 0.87) or hospitalisation for any reason (0.76; 95% CI 0.69, 0.84).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study shows that Swedish adults with type 2 diabetes on insulin who are using isCGM have a significantly reduced HbA1c and fewer hospital admissions for diabetes-related complications compared with BGM control participants.

Impact of the KARAZ platform's behavioral interventions and incentives on diabetic glycemic control in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

The glucose management indicator (GMI) and time-in-range (TIR) are important glycemic parameters calculated from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) values. KARAZ, a hybrid Internet of things-artificial intelligence platform, was developed in Saudi Arabia to help manage diabetes mellitus. The complex nature of self-care and behavior changes associated with diabetes mellitus requires breaking large behaviors into achievable ones and related incentives.

Aim

This study explored how tiny habits as a behavioral intervention and incentive system affect glycemic control among KARAZ Platform users with diabetes mellitus in various age groups in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This retrospective study included KARAZ Platform users and analyzed the effects of behavioral interventions and incentives on GMI and TIR as glycemic control parameters.

Results

Of 296 active users, 118 (40%) and 148 (50%) maintained a desirable TIR and GMI, respectively. Adult females aged ≥ 26 years who consistently followed tiny habits and behavior changes exhibited a significant reduction in the GMI (5%). Intrinsic motivation through behavioral modification was more effective than external incentives for maintaining glucose control.

Conclusion

The findings highlight how behavioral interventions can impact GMI, suggesting their effectiveness in promoting better health behaviors and improving glycemic control in the Saudi Arabian context. Further research should investigate how these habits and behaviors can be maintained sustainably without relying on external incentives. Recommendations discussed how children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus would benefit from CGM connection to KARAZ Platform iteration and the integration of a comprehensive diabetes care program within the Saudi health system.

Effective Strategies for the Prevention and Mitigation of Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase Inhibitor-Associated Hyperglycemia: Optimizing Patient Care

Hyperglycemia is a common adverse event (AE) associated with phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitors (PI3Kis) and considered an on-target effect. Presence of hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcomes in patients with cancer, and there is need for further refinement of hyperglycemia prevention and mitigation strategies in patients receiving PI3Kis. In this review, the authors highlight effective strategies for preventing PI3Ki-induced hyperglycemia before and during treatment as well as hyperglycemia management. Prior to initiating treatment with PI3Ki, identify baseline risk factors of patients at increased risk for developing hyperglycemia, which include older age, obesity, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) 5.7%-6.4% (prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes). To prevent new-onset hyperglycemia, optimize blood glucose, and recommend a low-carbohydrate (60-130 g/day) diet along with regular exercise to all patients prior to initiating the PI3Ki. Prophylactic metformin may be considered in all patients starting a PI3Ki with HbA1c ≤6.4%. Although existing recommendations support monitoring fasting blood glucose (FBG) once weekly (twice-weekly for intermediate-risk, daily for high-risk patients) and HbA1c every 3 months upon initiation of PI3Ki, more frequent FBG monitoring may be considered for prompt detection of hyperglycemia. Experts also recommend considering postprandial glucose monitoring because it is an early indicator of glucose intolerance. If hyperglycemia develops, metformin (first-line) and/or sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors or thiazolidinediones (second-/third-line) are the preferred agents; consider early referral to an endocrinologist. In conclusion, hyperglycemia is a common but manageable AE associated with PI3Kis. Multidisciplinary approach to the prevention, monitoring, and management of hyperglycemia optimizes patient care and allows patients to maintain therapy on PI3Ki.

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024: Glycemic Targets

The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and updates recommendations on the glycemic targets for children and adolescents living with diabetes. A new target for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of ≤6.5% (48 mmol/mol) is recommended for those who have access to advanced diabetes technologies like continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery. This target should be encouraged for all children and adolescents living with diabetes when safely achievable. In other settings, the HbA1c target is ≤7.0% (53 mmol/mol). The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and updates recommendations on the glycemic targets for children and adolescents living with diabetes. A new target for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of ≤6.5% (48 mmol/mol) is recommended for those who have access to advanced diabetes technologies like continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery. This target should be encouraged for all children and adolescents living with diabetes when safely achievable. In other settings, the HbA1c target is ≤7.0% (53 mmol/mol).

'We're taught green is good': Perspectives on time in range and time in tight range from youth with type 1 diabetes, and parents of youth with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are standard of care for youth with type 1 diabetes with the goal of spending >70% time in range (TIR; 70-180 mg/dL, 3.9-10 mmol/L). We aimed to understand paediatric CGM user experiences with TIR metrics considering recent discussion of shifting to time in tight range (TITR; >50% time between 70 and 140 mg/dL, 3.9 and 7.8 mmol/L).

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with adolescents with type 1 diabetes and parents of youth with type 1 diabetes focused on experiences with TIR goals and reactions to TITR. Groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty participants (N = 19 parents: age 43.6 ± 5.3 years, 79% female, 47% non-Hispanic White, 20 ± 5 months since child's diagnosis; N = 11 adolescents: age 15.3 ± 2 years, 55% female, 55% non-Hispanic White, 16 ± 3 months since diagnosis) attended. Participants had varying levels of understanding of TIR. Some developed personally preferred glucose ranges. Parents often aimed to surpass 70% TIR. Many described feelings of stress and disappointment when they did not meet a TIR goal. Concerns about TITR included increased stress and burden; risk of hypoglycaemia; and family conflict. Some participants said TITR would not change their daily lives; others said it would improve their diabetes management. Families requested care team support and a clear scientific rationale for TITR.

CONCLUSIONS

The wealth of CGM data creates frequent opportunities for assessing diabetes management and carries implications for management burden. Input from people with type 1 diabetes and their families will be critical in considering a shift in glycaemic goals and targets.

Unveiling the Spectrum of Glucose Variability: A Novel Perspective on FreeStyle Libre Monitoring Data

INTRODUCTION

Since the introduction of insulin therapy, it has become apparent that type 1 diabetes (T1D) is accompanied by long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications. In the context of the many benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), there remain opportunities to study the large amount of data now available in order to maximise its potential in the endeavour to reduce the occurrence of diabetes tissue complications in the longer term.

METHODS

Continuous glucose monitoring values were downloaded for 89 type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) individuals for up to 18 months from 2021 to 2023. Data for patient demographics was also taken from the patient record which included Sex, Date of Birth, and Date of Diagnosis. The recorded laboratory glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test results were also recorded. The glucose management index (GMI) was calculated from average glucose readings for 18 months using the formula GMI (%) = (0.82 - (Average glucose/100)). This was then adjusted to give GMI (mmol/mol) = 10.929 * (GMI (%) - 2.15). Average Glucose Fluctuation (AGF) was calculated by adding up the total absolute change value between all recorded results over 18 months and dividing by the number of results minus one. The % Above Critical Threshold (ACT) was calculated by summing the total number of occurrences for each result value. A cumulative 95% limit was then applied to identify the glucose value that only 5% of results exceeded in the overall population. Using this value, we estimated the percentage of total tests that were above the Critical Threshold (ACT).

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 42.6 years, and the mean duration of T1D was 18.4 years. A total of 3.22 million readings were analysed, yielding an average blood glucose level of 10.3 mmol/l and a GMI of 57.2 mmol/mol. There was a strong correlation between GMI and measured HbA1c (r2 = 0.82). However, there were patients who had an above-critical threshold (ACT) of 4-10% at a GMI of 60 mmol/mol or less. The percentage average value at the time of day (%AVTD) was applied to all blood glucose readings at each 15-min interval throughout the day, averaged over 18 months. The %AVTD of GMI (overall average 57.2 mmol/mol) increased after midday, dipped at 18:00, and peaked at 22:00. The %AVTD of AGF (overall average 0.60 mmol/l) showed higher change rates after 09:00 declining at the end of the day. The %AVTD of ACT peaked at 22:00, with those having the highest %ACT showing an additional peak at 15:00.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown here that the percentage glucose results above 18 mmol/l (top 5% of distribution) increased exponentially above 54 mmol/mol HbA1c. The %AVTD is introduced as a useful measure. Our data indicate that over the 24-h period, improvement in metabolic control could be focussed on the afternoon and evening, when there are higher-than-average levels of GMI, a higher-than-average degree of glucose change, and higher-than-average risks of being above the critical threshold. In conclusion, a measure of glycaemic variation based on the amplitude of glucose change to a population mean could be used to provide valuable clinical insights into glucose change over a 24-h period.

Initiation of Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring Is Associated With Reduced Hospitalization for Acute Diabetes Events and Cardiovascular Complications in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the impact of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) compared with blood glucose monitoring (BGM) on rates of hospitalization for metabolic and vascular complications of diabetes and on HbA1c levels for adults with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This retrospective study using data from the Swedish National Diabetes Register and the Swedish National Patient Register comprised adults with type 1 diabetes and an isCGM initiation date after 1 June 2017 and matched control individuals using BGM. Hospital admission rates were calculated per 100 person-years of follow-up.

RESULTS

We identified 11,822 adults with type 1 diabetes and an isCGM index date after 1 June 2017 and HbA1c baseline values 3-8 months prior to the index date. Compared with 3,007 BGM users, isCGM users had a significantly lower relative risk of hospitalization for hypoglycemia (0.32; 95% CI 0.14, 0.74), diabetic ketoacidosis (0.55; 0.35, 0.87), stroke (0.48; 0.37, 0.64), acute myocardial infarction (0.64; 0.46, 0.91), atrial fibrillation (0.59; 0.38, 0.94), heart failure (0.25; 0.16, 0.39), peripheral vascular disease (0.21; 0.07, 0.62), kidney disease (0.48; 0.35, 0.66), or hospitalization for any reason (0.32; 0.29, 0.35). Compared with BGM users, change in mean HbA1c for isCGM users was -0.30% (-3.3 mmol/mol) at 6 months and -0.24% (-2.6 mmol/mol) at 24 months (both P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that adults with type 1 diabetes in Sweden who initiate isCGM have significantly reduced hospitalization rates for acute diabetes events, kidney disease, and cardiovascular complications, along with improved glucose control, compared with BGM users.

Improvement of Glycemia Risk Index and Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics During Ramadan Fasting in Type 1 Diabetes: A Real-World Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Managing glycemia during Ramadan is challenging for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) due to prolonged fasting and altered eating patterns. While many are exempt from fasting, some choose to fast, necessitating careful monitoring. The glycemia risk index (GRI) is valuable for assessing glycemic quality and interpreting continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data to identify individuals needing closer clinical attention. This study investigates the effects of Ramadan fasting on glycemic control in T1D, focusing on GRI and its components for hypoglycemia (CHypo) and hyperglycemia (CHyper).

METHOD

An ambispective study involved 186 individuals with T1D using intermittent scanning CGM (isCGM). Data were retrospectively collected for one month before Ramadan and prospectively during and one month after Ramadan. Clinical, metabolic, and glycemic data were collected, with GRI calculated alongside its components.

RESULTS

During Ramadan, GRI improved by 54.6% (from 56.4 to 25.6), CHypo decreased by 60% (from 6 to 2.4), and CHyper dropped by 40.5% (from 21 to 12.5). However, these benefits were temporary, as glycemic measures increased after Ramadan, reflecting a return to pre-Ramadan patterns once normal routines resumed. No participants were admitted for diabetes emergencies during Ramadan. Adolescents and patients on insulin pumps had more favorable outcomes. GRI and its components significantly correlated with other CGM metrics, with these relationships maintained during and after Ramadan.

CONCLUSIONS

Ramadan fasting significantly improved GRI and its components in individuals with T1D. Incorporating GRI as a novel metric alongside classical CGM metrics could enhance glycemic control, highlighting the need for personalized diabetes management strategies.

The Application of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Endpoints in Clinical Research: Analysis of Trends and Review of Challenges

INTRODUCTION

Considerable efforts to standardize continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) have occurred in recent years. The aim was to perform an analysis of clinical studies in clinicaltrials.gov to evaluate trends in CGM endpoint adoption.

METHODS

Clinicaltrials.gov was searched for studies of drugs, devices and combination products containing CGM terms posted from 2012 to 2023. 1269 studies were returned and 954 were excluded. 315 studies were divided into two periods (P1 [2012-2017] and P2 [2018-2023]) and differences analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-tailed t tests.

RESULTS

There was a significant 60.3% increase in total clinical studies from P1 (121) to P2 (194). Phase 2 and Phase 3 Studies both saw significant increases of 125.8 and 169.2%, respectively, in P2. Adult-only studies predominated in both periods, with a 40.4% increase in P2. Studies that included pediatric populations, although smaller in number, increased significantly. Most studies were nonindustry-funded, and studies in this category saw a significant 80.0% increase in P2. However, industry-only funded studies also increased significantly by 78.4% in P2 in the same period. Studies of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) increased by 55.8% and 26.9%, respectively, but increases were not statistically significant. Studies of nondiabetes-related indications did increase significantly (233.3%). 27.6% of studies used CGM-derived metrics as primary endpoints (PE). Studies that used time in range (TIR) increased by 222.4% in P2, which was significant. Conversely studies that used mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) decreased significantly by 71.3%.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide evidence of significant increases in the application of CGM endpoints in clinical studies in the last six years, including studies with TIR as the PE. Increases have been driven largely by academia, but our data show that industry is starting to follow suit. The significant increase in studies that included pediatrics is encouraging.

Enhancing the Impact of Individualized Nutrition Therapy with Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Feedback in Overweight and Obese Individuals with Prediabetes

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

prediabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, and other complications. Early diagnosis of prediabetes, coupled with education on lifestyle changes that support blood glucose management, are crucial for the prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes and related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of incorporating real-time feedback from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) into individualized nutrition therapy (INT) on blood glucose control in individuals with prediabetes who are overweight or obese.

METHODS

participants (mean age ± SD: 55 ± 6 years; BMI: 31.1 ± 4.1 kg/m²) were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n = 15) or the control group (n = 15). Both groups received INT and CGM, but the control group was blinded to the CGM data until the end of this study. Participants were followed for 30 days and visited the lab every 10 days for CGM replacement, study measurements, and dietary consultations.

RESULTS

the treatment group showed a significant increase in the percentage of time spent in the target blood glucose range (p = 0.02) and a significant decrease in the mean blood glucose concentration (p < 0.05), glucose management indicator (p = 0.02), percent coefficient of variation for blood glucose (p = 0.01), and percent time spent in the high or very high blood glucose ranges (p = 0.04). These changes were not statistically significant for the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

adding CGM feedback to INT resulted in better management of blood glucose levels in overweight or obese individuals with prediabetes.

What is the Relationship Between Time in Range, Time in Tight Range, and HbA1c in Youth and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes? Results From the German/Austrian/Luxembourgian/Swiss Diabetes Prospective Follow-Up Registry

OBJECTIVES

Time in range (TIR, 70-180 mg/dL) is an established marker of glycemic control. More recently, time in tight range (TTR, 70-140 mg/dL) has been proposed as well. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between TIR, TTR, and HbA1c in youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the German/Austrian/Luxembourgian/Swiss Diabetes Prospective Follow-up (DPV) registry.

METHODS

Data of youth and young adults aged ≤25 years with T1D for >3 months, documented in the DPV registry between 2019 and 2022 were analyzed. The most recent available HbA1c and corresponding continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles in the 12 preceding weeks with at least 80% completeness were included. Associations were investigated using correlation and adjusted regression models.

RESULTS

1901 individuals (median age 14.0 years [IQR 10.4-16.9]) were included in the analysis. TIR and TTR correlated strongly, r = 0.965 (95% CI [0.962, 0.968]), P < .001. TTR estimates predicted from TIR were significantly higher in the group with high coefficient of variation (CV group ≥ 36%), P < .001. Correlations between TIR or TTR and HbA1c were both strong, r = -0.764 (95% CI [-0.782, -0.745]) and r = -0.777 (95% CI [-0.795, -0.759]), both P < .001, with no significant difference (P = .312) However, adjusted regression models indicated a slightly better fit for the prediction of HbA1c from TIR compared with TTR.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on large, real-world data from a multinational registry, TIR and TTR correlated strongly, and both showed a good prediction of HbA1c. TTR estimates predicted from TIR were significantly higher in people with high glucose variability (CV).

Association of time in range with cognitive impairment in middle-aged type 2 diabetic patients

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the association of Time In Range (TIR) obtained from Blood Glucose Monitoring (BGM) with Cognitive Impairment (CI) inpatients with middle-aged Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and further explored whether a TIR goal for T2DM in adults with > 70% possess a protective effect on cognitive function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 274 inpatients with T2DM aged 40-64 years, who underwent seven-point BGM ( pre meals and 120 min post meals and at bedtime) were recruited in this cross-sectional study. TIR was defined as the percentage of blood glucose within the target range of 3.9-10.0mmol/L. Subjects were divided into Normal Cognitive Function (NCF) (n = 160) and CI (n = 114) groups according to the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The association of TIR and other glycemic metrics, calculated from seven-point BGM data, with cognitive dysfunction was analyzed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CI was 41.6% in patients with middle-aged T2DM (median age 58 years). TIR was lower in CI group than in NCF group (28.6% vs. 42.9%, P = 0.004). The prevalence of CI decreased with ascending tertiles of TIR (p for trend < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between TIR and CI (odds ratio [OR] = 0.84, p < 0.001) after adjusting for confounders (age, education, marital status, age at Diabetes Mellitus (DM) onset, cerebrovascular disease). Further adjustment of Standard Deviation (SD)(OR = 0.84, p = 0.001) or Coefficient of Variation (CV)(OR = 0.83, p < 0.001), TIR was still associated with CI. While a TIR goal of > 70% probably possessed independent protective effect on cognitive function (OR = 0.25, p = 0.001) after controlling for confounders above.

CONCLUSIONS

TIR obtained from BGM was related to CI in middle-aged T2DM individuals and a TIR goal of > 70% probably possessed a protective effect on cognitive function for middle-aged T2DM .

Is there a target value for time in tight range for individuals with type 1 diabetes on MDI? Data from masked CGM

OBJECTIVE

Time in Tight Range (TITR), defined as the percentage of time within the glucose range of 70 to 140 mg/dL, is anticipated to be challenging to maintain without causing hypoglycemia, especially in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study aimed to investigate the TITR target value in individuals with T1D on multiple daily injections (MDI).

METHODS

The study included 101 individuals with T1D on MDI aged 15 to 75 who were hospitalized at Jikei University School of Medicine from September 2006 to November 2013 to conduct Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). The cutoff values of TITR for predicting the attainment of GMI < 7.0%, and TBR < 4% were determined using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

The TITR cutoff value was calculated to be 41% (sensitivity 81%, specificity 88%) and 40% (54%,72%) for predicting GMI < 7.0% and TBR < 4%.

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with T1D on MDI without devices capable of preventing hypoglycemia, it is recommended to target TITR at 40% to address the risk of increased hypoglycemia sufficiently.

Utility of time in tight range (TITR) in evaluating metabolic control in pediatric and adult patients with type 1 diabetes in treatment with advanced hybrid closed-loop systems

PURPOSE

To analyze the time in tight range (TITR), and its relationship with other glucometric parameters in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated with advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) systems.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on pediatric and adult patients with T1D undergoing treatment with AHCL systems for at least 3 months. Clinical variables and glucometric parameters before and after AHCL initiation were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 117 patients were evaluated. Comparison of metabolic control after AHCL initiation showed significant improvements in HbA1c (6.9 ± 0.9 vs. 6.6 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001), time in range (TIR) (68.2 ± 11.5 vs. 82.5 ± 6.9%, p < 0.001), TITR (43.7 ± 10.8 vs. 57.3 ± 9.7%, p < 0.001), glucose management indicator (GMI) (6.9 ± 0.4 vs. 6.6 ± 0.3%, p < 0.001), time below range (TBR) 70-54 mg/dl (4.3 ± 4.5 vs. 2.0 ± 1.4%, p < 0.001), and time above range (TAR) > 180 mg/dl (36.0 ± 7.6 vs. 15.1 ± 6.4%, p < 0.001). Coefficient of variation (CV) also improved (36.3 ± 5.7 vs. 30.6 ± 3.7, p < 0.001), while time between 140-180 mg/dl remained unchanged. In total, 76.3% achieved TITR > 50% (100% pediatric). Correlation analysis between TITR and TIR and GRI showed a strong positive correlation, modified by glycemic variability.

CONCLUSIONS

AHCL systems achieve significant improvements in metabolic control (TIR > 70% in 93.9% patients). The increase in TIR was not related to an increase in TIR 140-180 mg/dl. Despite being closely related to TIR, TITR allows for a more adequate discrimination of the achieved control level, especially in a population with good initial metabolic control. The correlation between TIR and TITR is directly influenced by the degree of glycemic variability.

Time-in-range derived from self-measured blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes advancing to iGlarLixi: A participant-level pooled analysis of three phase 3 LixiLan randomized controlled trials

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of a fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine 100 U/mL plus lixisenatide (iGlarLixi) in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) using derived time-in-range (dTIR).

METHODS

Participant-level data from LixiLan-L, LixiLan-O and LixiLan-G were pooled and dTIR (70-180 mg/dL), derived time-above-range (> 180 mg/dL) and derived time-below-range (dTBR; < 70 mg/dL) were calculated from participant seven-point self-monitored blood glucose profiles.

RESULTS

This pooled analysis included data from 2420 participants receiving iGlarLixi (n = 1093), iGlar (n = 836), Lixi (n = 234) or a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) (n = 257). Numerically greater improvements in least square (LS) means dTIR were seen from baseline to end of treatment (EOT) with iGlarLixi (25.7%) versus iGlar (15.8%), Lixi (11.7%) or GLP-1 RA (16.2%). At EOT, the mean (standard deviation) dTBR was 0.71% ± 3.4%, 0.61% ± 3.2%, 0.08% ± 1.0% and 0.0% ± 0.0% for iGlarLixi, iGlar, Lixi and GLP-1 RA, respectively. In a subgroup analysis, participants aged younger than 65 years (n = 1690) and 65 years or older (n = 713) showed numerically greater improvements in LS means dTIR from baseline to EOT with iGlarLixi versus iGlar, Lixi or GLP-1 RA.

CONCLUSIONS

iGlarLixi achieved improvements in dTIR, with low dTBR values, providing further evidence to inform clinical outcomes with the use of iGlarLixi.

Transplantation of chemically induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived islets under abdominal anterior rectus sheath in a type 1 diabetes patient

We report the 1-year results from one patient as the preliminary analysis of a first-in-human phase I clinical trial (ChiCTR2300072200) assessing the feasibility of autologous transplantation of chemically induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived islets (CiPSC islets) beneath the abdominal anterior rectus sheath for type 1 diabetes treatment. The patient achieved sustained insulin independence starting 75 days post-transplantation. The patient's time-in-target glycemic range increased from a baseline value of 43.18% to 96.21% by month 4 post-transplantation, accompanied by a decrease in glycated hemoglobin, an indicator of long-term systemic glucose levels at a non-diabetic level. Thereafter, the patient presented a state of stable glycemic control, with time-in-target glycemic range at >98% and glycated hemoglobin at around 5%. At 1 year, the clinical data met all study endpoints with no indication of transplant-related abnormalities. Promising results from this patient suggest that further clinical studies assessing CiPSC-islet transplantation in type 1 diabetes are warranted.

Prediction of Incident Diabetic Retinopathy in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Using Machine Learning Approach: An Exploratory Study

BACKGROUND

Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This exploratory study uses machine learning on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data to identify factors influencing DR and predict high-risk individuals for timely intervention.

METHODS

Between June 2018 and March 2022, adults with T1D with incident DR or no retinopathy (control) were identified. The CGM data were collected retrospectively for up to seven years before the date of defining incident DR or no retinopathy. A mixture of three machine learning algorithms was trained and evaluated in two different scenarios, using different glycemic features extracted from CGM traces (scenario 1), and the two principal components (two PCs; exposure to hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia risk) of those features (scenario 2). Classifiers were evaluated through 10-fold cross-validation using the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC-ROC) to select the best classification model.

RESULTS

The CGM data of 30 adults with incident DR (mean±SD age of 21.2±9.4 years, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] of 8.6%±1.0%, and body mass index [BMI] of 24.5±4.8 kg/m2) and 30 adults without DR (age of 41.8±14.7 years, HbA1c of 7.0%±0.9%, and BMI of 26.2±3.6 kg/m2) were included in this analysis. In scenario 2, classifiers outperformed scenario 1, resulting in an average AUC-ROC increase to 0.92 for two of three models, indicating that the two PCs captured vital classification data, representing the most discriminative aspects and enhancing model performance.

CONCLUSION

Machine learning approaches using CGM data may have potential to aid in identifying adults with T1D at risk of DR.

Insulin Resistance and CGM-Derived Parameters in People With Type 1 Diabetes: Are They Associated?

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is increasingly more prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether IR is associated with continuous glucose monitor (CGM)-derived parameters (glucometrics), such as time in range (TIR), time above range (TAR), time below range (TBR), and glycemic variability (CV).

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 2 databases: IR was quantified according to the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) (NCT04664036) and by performing a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC) (NCT04623320). All glucometrics were calculated over 28 days.

RESULTS

A total of 287 subjects were included. Mean age was 46 ± 17 years, 55% were male, TIR was 57% ± 14%, and eGDR was 7.6 (5.6-9.3) mg/kg/min. The tertile of people with the lowest eGDR (highest level of IR) had a higher TAR compared to the tertile with the highest eGDR (39% ± 15% vs 33% ± 14%, P = .043). Using logistic regression, a higher eGDR was associated with a higher chance to fall in a higher TIR-tertile (odds ratio [OR] 1.251, P < .001), a lower TAR-tertile (OR 1.281, P < .001), and a higher TBR-tertile (OR 0.893, P = .039), adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration, smoking status, and alcohol intake. In the 48 people undergoing a HEC, no significant association between glucometrics and the HEC-determined glucose disposal rate (M-value) was observed.

CONCLUSION

In people with T1D, an association between IR, measured by eGDR, and worse CGM profiles was observed.

Association of Continuous Glucose Monitoring-Derived Glycemia Risk Index With Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The glycemia risk index (GRI) is a new composite continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metric for weighted hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. We evaluated the association between the GRI and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and compared the effects of the GRI and conventional CGM metrics on CAN.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, three-month CGM data were retrospectively analyzed before autonomic function tests were performed in 165 patients with type 1 diabetes. CAN was defined as at least two abnormal results of parasympathetic tests according to an age-specific reference.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of CAN was 17.1%. Patients with CAN had significantly higher GRI scores, target above range (TAR), coefficient of variation (CV), and standard deviation (SD) but significantly lower time in range (TIR) than those without CAN. The prevalence of CAN increased across higher GRI zones (P for trend <.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for covariates such as HbA1c, demonstrated that the odds ratio (OR) of CAN was 9.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.21-36.96, P = .002) per 1-SD increase in the GRI. TIR and CV were also significantly associated with CAN in the multivariate model. The area under the curve of GRI for the prediction of CAN (0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.94) was superior to that of TIR (0.80, 95% CI: 0.71-0.89, P for comparison = .046) or CV (0.71, 95% CI: 0.57-0.84, P for comparison = .049).

CONCLUSIONS

The GRI is significantly associated with CAN in patients with type 1 diabetes and may be a better CGM metric than TIR for predicting CAN.

A comparative study of the relationship between time in range assessed by self-monitoring of blood glucose and continuous glucose monitoring with microalbuminuria outcome, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β test

AIMS

To compare the time in range (TIR) obtained from self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) with that obtained from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and explore the relationship of TIR with microalbuminuria outcome, HOMA-IR and HOMA-β test.

METHODS

We recruited 400 patients with type 2 diabetes to carry out blood glucose monitoring by both SMBG and CGM for 3 consecutive days. TIR, TAR, TBR and other blood glucose variation indices were calculated respectively through the glucose data achieved from SMBG and CGM. The HOMA-IR and HOMA-β test was evaluated by an oral glucose tolerance test. Urinary microalbumin-to-creatinine ratio completed in the laboratory.

RESULTS

The median (25 %, 75 % quartile) of TIRCGM and TIRSMBG were 74.94(44.90, 88.04) and 70.83(46.88, 87.50) respectively, and there was no significant difference, p = 0.489; For every 1 % increase in TIRCGM, the risk of microalbuminuria decreased by 1.6 % (95%CI:0.973, 0.995, p = 0.006) and for every 1 % increase in TIRSMBG, the risk of microalbuminuria decreased by 1.3 % (95%CI:0.975, 0.999, p = 0.033). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed an independent positive correlation between TIR (including TIRCGM and TIRSBMG) and LnDI30 and LnDI120 levels (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

The TIR calculated by SMBG was highly consistent with that reported by CGM and was significantly associated with the risk of microalbuminuria and the HOMA-β. Higher TIR quartiles were associated with lower incidence of microalbuminuria as well as higher lever of HOMA-β. For patients with limited CGM application, SMBG-derived TIR may be an alternative to CGM-derived TIR, to assess blood glucose control.

Hemoglobin A1c Genetics and Disparities in Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy in Individuals of Genetically Inferred African American/African British and European Ancestries

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with diabetes who carry genetic variants that lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) independently of glycemia may have higher real, but undetected, hyperglycemia compared with those without these variants despite achieving similar HbA1c targets, potentially placing them at greater risk for diabetes-related complications. We sought to determine whether these genetic variants, aggregated in a polygenic score, and the large-effect African ancestry-specific missense variant in G6PD (rs1050828) that lower HbA1c were associated with higher retinopathy risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using data from 29,828 type 2 diabetes cases of genetically inferred African American/African British and European ancestries, we calculated ancestry-specific nonglycemic HbA1c polygenic scores (ngA1cPS) composed of 122 variants associated with HbA1c at genome-wide significance, but not with glucose. We tested the association of the ngA1cPS and the G6PD variant with retinopathy, adjusting for measured HbA1c and retinopathy risk factors.

RESULTS

Participants in the bottom quintile of the ngA1cPS showed between 20% and 50% higher retinopathy prevalence, compared with those above this quintile, despite similar levels of measured HbA1c. The adjusted meta-analytic odds ratio for the bottom quintile was 1.31 (95% CI 1.0, 1.73; P = 0.05) in African ancestry and 1.31 (95% CI 1.15, 1.50; P = 6.5 × 10-5) in European ancestry. Among individuals of African ancestry with HbA1c below 7%, retinopathy prevalence was higher in individuals below, compared with above, the 50th percentile of the ngA1cPS regardless of sex or G6PD carrier status.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic effects need to be considered to personalize HbA1c targets and improve outcomes of people with diabetes from diverse ancestries.

Effect of Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Flash Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effect of the real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: A systematic literature search of all relevant studies comparing the clinical effectiveness of rt-CGM and FGM in adults with T1DM on Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 2015 to June 2023 was performed. The primary endpoints were glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and TIR (time in range). Secondary endpoints included time below range [TBR (<3.9 mmol/L) and (<3.0 mmol/L)], time above range [TAR (>10.0 mmol/L) and (>13.9 mmol/L)], mean glucose, and glycemic variability (GV) [standard deviations (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV)]. Results: Six studies with 1516 TIDM patients, including three randomized controlled trials and three observational studies, were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Compared to FGM, rt-CGM led to greater glycemic control, represented by higher TIR (%, 3.9 ∼ 10 mmol/L) (SMD = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.37 ∼ 0.81, p < 0.001), decreased TBR (%, <3.9 mmol/L) (SMD = -1.45, 95%CI: -2.33 ∼ -0.57, p = 0.001), decreased TAR [(%, >10.0 mmol/L) (SMD = -0.38, 95%CI: -0.71 ∼ -0.04, p = 0.03) and (%, >13.9 mmol/L) (SMD = -0.42, 95%CI: -0.79 ∼ -0.04, p = 0.03), respectively], lower mean glucose (SMD = -0.18, 95%CI: -0.31 ∼ -0.06, p = 0.003), decreased SD (SMD = -0.70, 95%CI: -1.09 ∼ -0.31, p < 0.001), and decreased CV (SMD = -0.76, 95%CI: -1.05 ∼ -0.47, p < 0.001). However, there was no difference in lowering HbA1c and TBR (%, <3.0 mmol/L) between groups. Conclusion: The rt-CGM outperformed FGM in improving several key CGM metrics among adults with T1DM, but there is no significant difference in HbA1c and TBR (<3.0 mmol/L).

Glycemia Risk Index Assessment in a Pediatric and Adult Patient Cohort With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the glycemia risk index (GRI) as a new glucometry in pediatric and adult populations with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in clinical practice.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 202 patients with T1D receiving intensive treatment with insulin (25.2% continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion [CSII]) and intermittent scanning (flash) glucose monitoring (isCGM). Clinical and glucometric isCGM data were collected, as well as the component of hypoglycemia (CHypo) and component of hyperglycemia (CHyper) of the GRI.

RESULTS

A total of 202 patients (53% males and 67.8% adults) with a mean age of 28.6 ± 15.7 years and 12.5 ± 10.9 years of T1D evolution were evaluated.Adult patients (>19 years) presented higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (7.4 ± 1.1 vs 6.7 ± 0.6%; P < .01) and lower time in range (TIR) (55.4 ± 17.5 vs 66.5 ± 13.1%; P < .01) values than the pediatric population, with lower coefficient of variation (CV) (38.6 ± 7.2 vs 42.4 ± 8.9%; P < .05). The GRI was significantly lower in pediatric patients (48.0 ± 22.2 vs 56.8 ± 23.4; P < .05) associated with higher CHypo (7.1 ± 5.1 vs 5.0 ± 4.5; P < .01) and lower CHyper (16.8 ± 9.8 vs 26.5 ± 15.1; P < .01) than in adults.When analyzing treatment with CSII compared with multiple doses of insulin (MDI), a nonsignificant trend to a lower GRI was observed in CSII (51.0 ± 15.3 vs 55.0 ± 25.4; P= .162), with higher levels of CHypo (6.5 ± 4.1 vs 5.4 ± 5.0; P < .01) and lower CHyper (19.6 ± 10.6 vs 24.6 ± 15.2; P < .05) compared with MDI.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients and in those with CSII treatment, despite a better control by classical and GRI parameters, higher overall CHypo was observed than in adults and MDI, respectively. The present study supports the usefulness of the GRI as a new glucometric parameter to evaluate the global risk of hypoglycemia-hyperglycemia in both pediatric and adult patients with T1D.

Whole Day Workload: Evaluation of a New Outcome Measure in Occupational Therapy for Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

IMPORTANCE

Typical whole day workload is a metric with potential relevance to the occupational balance and well-being of individuals with chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the reliability and validity of using multiple daily NASA Task Load Index measures (whole day TLX) as an indicator of typical whole day workload experienced by adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

DESIGN

Participants with T1D completed cross-sectional measures and 2 wk of ecological momentary assessments (EMA) and daily diaries. Reliability was assessed across subgroups (e.g., workers vs. nonworkers); validity was evaluated with multilevel confirmatory factor analysis and with tests of convergent and divergent validity with patient-reported outcomes and blood glucose measures.

SETTING

Three outpatient endocrinology clinics in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Data from 164 U.S. adults with T1D (42% Latino, 30% White).

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Measures used included the whole day TLX (assessed via 2 wk of daily diaries), time in target blood glucose range (assessed with a continuous glucose monitor), illness intrusiveness (measured cross-sectionally), and stress (measured cross-sectionally and with EMA).

RESULTS

Number of days required for at least 0.70 reliability of the average whole day TLX ranged between 2 and 6 days depending on the subgroup. Results supported convergent and divergent validity of the average of the whole day TLX, including associations with average stress (r = .63, p < .001) and time in target blood glucose range (r = -.25, p = .002).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The whole day TLX was a reliable and valid indicator of typical whole day workload. Plain-Language Summary: The health management responsibilities for Type 1 diabetes can be extremely burdensome. When these responsibilities are experienced, in addition to duties such as work and caregiving, the totality of demands experienced (i.e., whole day workload) can create further issues, such as unhealthy physiological changes and interference with self-care. We tested the psychometric properties of a measurement tool that assesses the typical level of workload people experience. This measure, referred to as the NASA Task Load Index (whole day TLX), was found to be a reliable and valid indicator of typical whole day workload. Occupational therapists may use the whole day TLX to track progress in interventions focused on reducing clients' whole day workload exposure to promote their health and well-being. Occupational therapists' expertise in areas such as activity analysis, task adaptation, and energy conservation makes them especially well-suited to intervene on whole day workload.

Impact of Continuous Glucose Monitoring and its Glucometrics in Clinical Practice in Spain and Future Perspectives: A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices allow for 24-h real-time measurement of interstitial glucose levels and have changed the interaction between people with diabetes and their health care providers. The large amount of data generated by CGM can be analyzed and evaluated using a set of standardized parameters, collectively named glucometrics. This review aims to provide a summary of the existing evidence on the use of glucometrics data and its impact on clinical practice based on published studies involving adults and children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Spain.

METHODS

The PubMed and MEDES (Spanish Medical literature) databases were searched covering the years 2018-2022 and including clinical and observational studies, consensus guidelines, and meta-analyses on CGM and glucometrics conducted in Spain.

RESULTS

A total of 16 observational studies were found on the use of CGM in Spain, which have shown that cases of severe hypoglycemia in children with T1D were greatly reduced after the introduction of CGM, resulting in a significant reduction in costs. Real-world data from Spain shows that CGM is associated with improved glycemic markers (increased time in range, reduced time below and above range, and glycemic variability), and that there is a relationship between glycemic variability and hypoglycemia. Also, CGM and analysis of glucometrics proved highly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic. New glucometrics, such as the glycemic risk index, or new mathematical approaches to the analysis of CGM-derived glucose data, such as "glucodensities," could help patients to achieve better glycemic control in the future.

CONCLUSION

By using glucometrics in clinical practice, clinicians can better assess glycemic control and a patient's individual response to treatment.

End-to-end offline reinforcement learning for glycemia control

The development of closed-loop systems for glycemia control in type I diabetes relies heavily on simulated patients. Improving the performances and adaptability of these close-loops raises the risk of over-fitting the simulator. This may have dire consequences, especially in unusual cases which were not faithfully - if at all - captured by the simulator. To address this, we propose to use model-free offline RL agents, trained on real patient data, to perform the glycemia control. To further improve the performances, we propose an end-to-end personalization pipeline, which leverages offline-policy evaluation methods to remove altogether the need of a simulator, while still enabling an estimation of clinically relevant metrics for diabetes.

Risk factors and prediction of hypoglycaemia using the Hypo-RESOLVE cohort: a secondary analysis of pooled data from insulin clinical trials

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The objective of the Hypoglycaemia REdefining SOLutions for better liVES (Hypo-RESOLVE) project is to use a dataset of pooled clinical trials across pharmaceutical and device companies in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes to examine factors associated with incident hypoglycaemia events and to quantify the prediction of these events.

METHODS

Data from 90 trials with 46,254 participants were pooled. Analyses were done for type 1 and type 2 diabetes separately. Poisson mixed models, adjusted for age, sex, diabetes duration and trial identifier were fitted to assess the association of clinical variables with hypoglycaemia event counts. Tree-based gradient-boosting algorithms (XGBoost) were fitted using training data and their predictive performance in terms of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) evaluated on test data. Baseline models including age, sex and diabetes duration were compared with models that further included a score of hypoglycaemia in the first 6 weeks from study entry, and full models that included further clinical variables. The relative predictive importance of each covariate was assessed using XGBoost's importance procedure. Prediction across the entire trial duration for each trial (mean of 34.8 weeks for type 1 diabetes and 25.3 weeks for type 2 diabetes) was assessed.

RESULTS

For both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, variables associated with more frequent hypoglycaemia included female sex, white ethnicity, longer diabetes duration, treatment with human as opposed to analogue-only insulin, higher glucose variability, higher score for hypoglycaemia across the 6 week baseline period, lower BP, lower lipid levels and treatment with psychoactive drugs. Prediction of any hypoglycaemia event of any severity was greater than prediction of hypoglycaemia requiring assistance (level 3 hypoglycaemia), for which events were sparser. For prediction of level 1 or worse hypoglycaemia during the whole follow-up period, the AUC was 0.835 (95% CI 0.826, 0.844) in type 1 diabetes and 0.840 (95% CI 0.831, 0.848) in type 2 diabetes. For level 3 hypoglycaemia, the AUC was lower at 0.689 (95% CI 0.667, 0.712) for type 1 diabetes and 0.705 (95% CI 0.662, 0.748) for type 2 diabetes. Compared with the baseline models, almost all the improvement in prediction could be captured by the individual's hypoglycaemia history, glucose variability and blood glucose over a 6 week baseline period.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Although hypoglycaemia rates show large variation according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and treatment history, looking at a 6 week period of hypoglycaemia events and glucose measurements predicts future hypoglycaemia risk.

The association of chronic complications with time in tight range and time in range in people with type 1 diabetes: a retrospective cross-sectional real-world study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of chronic complications with time in tight range (TITR: 3.9-7.8 mmol/l) and time in range (TIR: 3.9-10.0 mmol/l) in people with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

The prevalence of microvascular complications (diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy [DPN]) and macrovascular complications according to sensor-measured TITR/TIR was analysed cross-sectionally in 808 adults with type 1 diabetes. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between TITR/TIR and the presence of complications without adjustment, with adjustment for HbA1c, and with adjustment for HbA1c and other confounding factors (sex, age, diabetes duration, BMI, BP, lipid profile, smoking, and use of statins and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors).

RESULTS

The mean TITR and TIR were 33.9 ± 12.8% and 52.5 ± 15.0%, respectively. Overall, 46.0% had any microvascular complication (34.5% diabetic retinopathy, 23.8% diabetic nephropathy, 16.0% DPN) and 16.3% suffered from any macrovascular complication. The prevalence of any microvascular complication, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) decreased with increasing TITR/TIR quartiles (all ptrend<0.05). Each 10% increase in TITR was associated with a lower incidence of any microvascular complication (OR 0.762; 95% CI 0.679, 0.855; p<0.001), diabetic retinopathy (OR 0.757; 95% CI 0.670, 0.856; p<0.001), background diabetic retinopathy (OR 0.760; 95% CI 0.655, 0.882; p<0.001), severe diabetic retinopathy (OR 0.854; 95% CI 0.731, 0.998; p=0.048), diabetic nephropathy (OR 0.799; 95% CI 0.699, 0.915; p<0.001), DPN (OR 0.837; 95% CI 0.717, 0.977; p=0.026) and CVA (OR 0.651; 95% CI 0.470, 0.902; p=0.010). The independent association of TITR with any microvascular complication (OR 0.867; 95% CI 0.762, 0.988; p=0.032), diabetic retinopathy (OR 0.837; 95% CI 0.731, 0.959; p=0.010), background diabetic retinopathy (OR 0.831; 95% CI 0.705, 0.979; p=0.027) and CVA (OR 0.619; 95% CI 0.426, 0.899; p=0.012) persisted after adjustment for HbA1c. Similar results were obtained when controlling for HbA1c and other confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

TITR and TIR are inversely associated with the presence of microvascular complications and CVA in people with type 1 diabetes. Although this study was not designed to establish a causal relationship, this analysis adds validity to the use of TITR and TIR as key measures in glycaemic management.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02601729 and NCT02898714.

Single-arm, first-in-human feasibility study results for an ultra-low-cost insulin pump

BACKGROUND

Use of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) has been shown to improve glycemic outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), but high costs limit accessibility. To address this issue, an inter-operable, open-source Ultra-Low-Cost Insulin Pump (ULCIP) was developed and previously shown to demonstrate comparable delivery accuracy to commercial models in standardised laboratory tests. This study aims to evaluate the updated ULCIP in-vivo, assessing its viability as an affordable alternative for those who cannot afford commercially available devices.

METHODS

This first-in-human feasibility study recruited six participants with T1D. During a nine-hour inpatient stay, participants used the ULCIP under clinical supervision. Venous glucose, insulin, and β-Hydroxybutyrate were monitored to assess device performance.

RESULTS

Participants displayed expected blood glucose and blood insulin levels in response to programmed basal and bolus insulin dosing. One participant developed mild ketosis, which was treated and did not recur when a new pump reservoir was placed. All other participants maintained β-Hydroxybutyrate < 0.6 mmol/L throughout.

CONCLUSION

The ULCIP safely delivered insulin therapy to users in a supervised inpatient environment. Future work should focus on correcting a pump hardware issue identified in this trial and extending device capabilities for use in closed loop control. Longer-term outpatient studies are warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12623001288617) on the 11 December 2023.