Diabetes Technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2019

Real-World Evidence of Off-Label Use of Commercially Automated Insulin Delivery Systems Compared to Multiple Daily Insulin Injections in Pregnancies Complicated by Type 1 Diabetes

Aims: To compare glycemic control and maternal-fetal outcomes of women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using hybrid closed loop (HCL) versus multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) plus continuous glucose monitoring. Methods: Multicenter prospective cohort study of pregnant women with T1D in Spain. We evaluated HbA1c and time spent within (TIR), below (TBR), and above (TAR) the pregnancy-specific glucose range of 3.5-7.8 mmol/L. Adjusted models were performed for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including baseline maternal characteristics and center. Results: One hundred twelve women were included (HCL n = 59). Women in the HCL group had a longer duration of diabetes and higher rates of prepregnancy care. There was no between-group difference in HbA1c in any trimester. However, in the second trimester, MDI users had a greater decrease in HbA1c (-6.12 ± 9.06 vs. -2.16 ± 7.42 mmol/mol, P = 0.031). No difference in TIR (3.5-7.8 mmol/L) and TAR was observed between HCL and MDI users, but with a higher total insulin dose in the second trimester [+0.13 IU/kg·day)]. HCL therapy was associated with increased maternal weight gain during pregnancy (βadjusted = 3.20 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90-5.50). Regarding neonatal outcomes, newborns of HCL users were more likely to have higher birthweight (βadjusted = 279.0 g, 95% CI 39.5-518.5) and macrosomia (ORadjusted = 3.18, 95% CI 1.05-9.67) compared to MDI users. These associations disappeared when maternal weight gain or third trimester HbA1c was included in the models. Conclusions: In a real-world setting, HCL users gained more weight during pregnancy and had larger newborns than MDI users, while achieving similar glycemic control in terms of HbA1c and TIR.

Evaluating usability of and satisfaction with mHealth app in rural and remote areas-Germany GIZ collaboration in Bosnia-Herzegovina to optimize type 1 diabetes care

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management in children and adolescents requires intensive supervision and monitoring to prevent acute and late diabetes complications and to improve quality of life. Digital health interventions, in particular diabetes mobile health apps (mHealth apps) can facilitate specialized T1DM care in this population. This study evaluated the initial usability of and satisfaction with the m-Health intervention Diabetes: M app, and the ease of use of various app features in supporting T1DM care in rural and remote areas of Bosnia-Herzegovina with limited access to specialized diabetes care.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, performed in February-March 2023, evaluated T1DM pediatric patients who used the Diabetes: M app in a 3-month mHealth-based T1DM management program, along with their parents and healthcare providers (HCPs). All participants completed self-administered online questionnaires at the end of the 3-month period. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics.

Results

The study population included 50 T1DM patients (children/parents and adolescents) and nine HCPs. The mean ± SD age of the T1DM patients was 14 ± 4.54 years, with 26 (52%) being female. The mean ± SD age of the HCPs was 43.4 ± 7.76 years; all (100%) were women, with a mean ± SD professional experience of 17.8 ± 8.81 years. The app was reported usable in the domains of ease-of-use and satisfaction by the T1DM children/parents (5.82/7.0), T1DM adolescents/young adults (5.68/7.0), and HCPs (5.22/7.0). Various app features, as well as the overall app experience, were rated positively by the participants.

Conclusion

The results strongly support the usability of mHealth-based interventions in T1DM care, especially in overcoming care shortage and improving diabetes management and communications between HCPs and patients. Further studies are needed to compare the effectiveness of apps used to support T1DM management with routine care.

Comparison of the Sensor-Augmented Pump System with the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Delivery System: Quality of Life, Diabetes Distress, and Glycaemic Outcomes in a Real-Life Context

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is a chronic disease that requires exogenous insulin administration and intensive management to prevent any complications. Recent innovations in T1D management technologies include the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop delivery system (AHCL). The pioneer AHCL system provides automated basal and automated bolus corrections when needed.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop (AHCL) system and the Sensor-Augmented Pump (SAP) with Predictive Low Glucose Management (PLGM) system, in relation to glycaemic outcomes, general and diabetes-related Quality of Life (QoL), and diabetes distress.

METHODS

General and diabetes-related QoL were assessed with the Diabetes Quality of Life Brief Clinical Inventory (DQOL-BCI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Diabetes distress was assessed with the Diabetes Distress Scale for Type 1 diabetes (T1-DDS).

RESULTS

Eighty-nine T1D adults participated in the study, mostly females (65.2%), with a mean age of 39.8 (± 11.5 years). They had on average 23 years of diabetes (± 10.7) and they were on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. Significant differences favoring the AHCL over the SAP + PLGM system were demonstrated by lower mean glucose levels, less time above range, lower scores on DQOL-BCI, T1-DDS, and higher scores on WHOQOL-BREF. Finally, the linear regression models revealed the association of time in range in most of the above aspects.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the advantages of the AHCL system over the SAP + PLGM system in the real-world setting in relation to general and diabetes-related QoL, diabetes distress, and glycaemic outcomes.

The Implications of the Pandemic with Covid-19 in the Glycemic Control of People with Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction

The COVID-19 lockdown influenced the glycemic control and other metabolic parameters in people with type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective

To study the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Material and Methods

Our study group included 120 Romanian people with T2DM from both urban and rural areas. We employed a structured questionnaire with multiple-choice to collect data about DM management during lockdown, the interaction with their diabetologist, the access to treatment, and what other factors influenced their DM management during the lockdown.

Results

We did not observe an increase of numbers of hyper or hypoglycemia during the restriction period in people with T2DM. The number of glycemic imbalances was higher in people treated with insulin than those with oral antidiabetics (OAD) (p=0.003, X2=8.91). Regarding the causes of imbalances, we did not obtain a significant difference during the restriction period, neither between patients following treatment with insulin nor with OAD. On the contrary, we observed that only 26.7% of people with T2DM managed to maintain their weight or lost weight vs 73.3% patients who gained several extra kg (p<0.001, X2=52.26).

Conclusion

The findings of this study have demonstrated that in people with T2DM, the COVID-19 lockdown determines better glycemic control among patients treated with OAD compared to those treated with insulin therapy. Anxiety, stress, and emotions were the main reasons that led to the increase in glycemic values of these patients. Also, most patients have gained weight either due to lack of physical activity or due to stress.

Technology use and clinical outcomes in a racial-ethnic minority cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

Technology use has been shown to improve diabetes control, but minority youths tend to have low rates of technology use and exhibit suboptimal glycemic control. We examined the impact of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) on glycemic control in a racial-ethnic minority cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 pediatric T1D patients seen at a multidisciplinary clinic. From January to November 2022, data on demographics and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were collected. Patients were categorized as technology (CGM, CSII, or both) or non-technology users (finger stick meter (FS) and multiple daily injections (MDI)).

RESULTS

The majority identified as Hispanic (79 %) and had public health insurance (71 %). Sixty-nine percent used technology. Compared with non-technology users, technology users had significantly lower mean HbA1c levels (9.60 vs. 8.40 %, respectively) (p=0.0024), though no group (CGM + CSII, CGM + MDI, FS + CSII, and FS + MDI) achieved a mean HbA1c level of <7.0 %. Regarding minority status, no significant differences in mean HbA1c levels existed between Hispanics and Blacks in the CGM + MDI and FS + CSII groups (p=0.2232 and p=0.9224, respectively). However, there was a significant difference in mean HbA1c levels between Hispanic and Black non-technology users (9.19 vs. 11.26 %, respectively) (p=0.0385).

CONCLUSIONS

Technology users demonstrated better glycemic control than non-technology users. Further research is needed to investigate factors affecting glycemic control in minority youths with T1D.

Engineered extracellular vesicles from human skin cells induce pro-β-cell conversions in pancreatic ductal cells

Direct nuclear reprogramming has the potential to enable the development of β cell replacement therapies for diabetes that do not require the use of progenitor/stem cell populations. However, despite their promise, current approaches to β cell-directed reprogramming rely heavily on the use of viral vectors. Here we explored the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) as novel non-viral carriers of endocrine cell-patterning transcription factors, to transfect and transdifferentiate pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDCs) into hormone-expressing cells. Electrotransfection of HDFs with expression plasmids for Pdx1, Ngn3, and MafA (PNM) led to the release of EVs loaded with PNM at the gene, mRNA, and protein level. Exposing PDC cultures to PNM-loaded EVs led to successful transfection and increased PNM expression in PDCs, which ultimately resulted in endocrine cell-directed conversions based on the expression of insulin/c-peptide, glucagon, and glucose transporter 2 (Glut2). These findings were further corroborated in vivo in a mouse model following intraductal injection of PNM- vs sham-loaded EVs. Collectively these findings suggest that dermal fibroblast-derived EVs could potentially serve as a powerful platform technology for the development and deployment of non-viral reprogramming-based cell therapies for insulin-dependent diabetes.

Examination of Lower Limb Microcirculation in Diabetic Patients with and without Intermittent Claudication

Intermittent claudication is a frequent complaint in lower extremity artery disease, but approximately two thirds of patients are asymptomatic, most of which are diabetic patients. Non-invasive angiological and microrheological tests on diabetic subjects with and without intermittent claudication were performed in the present study. In total, 98 diabetic patients were included and divided into two groups: 20 patients (63.5 ± 8.8 years, 55% men, 45% women) had intermittent claudication, 78 patients (65.5 ± 9.3 years, 61.5% men, 38.5% women) were asymptomatic. Hand-held Doppler ultrasound examination, transcutaneous tissue partial oxygen pressure (tcpO2) measurement, Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork tests, and 6-min walk tests were performed, and erythrocyte aggregation was investigated. Ankle-brachial index (p < 0.02) and tcpO2, measured during provocation tests (p < 0.003) and the 6-min walk test (p < 0.0001), significantly deteriorated in the symptomatic group. A higher erythrocyte aggregation index and faster aggregate formation was observed in claudication patients (p < 0.02). Despite the statistically better results of the asymptomatic group, 13% of these patients had severe limb ischemia based on the results of tcpO2 measurement. Claudication can be associated with worse hemodynamic and hemorheological conditions in diabetic patients; however, severe ischemia can also develop in asymptomatic subjects. Non-invasive vascular tests can detect ischemia, which highlights the importance of early instrumental screening of the lower limbs.

Rates and Correlates of Uptake of Continuous Glucose Monitors Among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care and Endocrinology Settings

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials indicate continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use may benefit adults with type 2 diabetes, but CGM rates and correlates in real-world care settings are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to ascertain prevalence and correlates of CGM use and to examine rates of new CGM prescriptions across clinic types and medication regimens.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort using electronic health records in a large academic medical center in the Southeastern US.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with type 2 diabetes and a primary care or endocrinology visit during 2021.

MAIN MEASURES

Age, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance, clinic type, insulin regimen, hemoglobin A1c values, CGM prescriptions, and prescribing clinic type.

KEY RESULTS

Among 30,585 adults with type 2 diabetes, 13% had used a CGM. CGM users were younger and more had private health insurance (p < .05) as compared to non-users; 72% of CGM users had an intensive insulin regimen, but 12% were not taking insulin. CGM users had higher hemoglobin A1c values (both most recent and most proximal to the first CGM prescription) than non-users. CGM users were more likely to receive endocrinology care than non-users, but 23% had only primary care visits in 2021. For each month in 2021, a mean of 90.5 (SD 12.5) people started using CGM. From 2020 to 2021, monthly rates of CGM prescriptions to new users grew 36% overall, but 125% in primary care. Most starting CGM in endocrinology had an intensive insulin regimen (82% vs. 49% starting in primary care), whereas 28% starting CGM in primary care were not using insulin (vs. 5% in endocrinology).

CONCLUSION

CGM uptake for type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly, with most growth in primary care. These trends present opportunities for healthcare system adaptations to support CGM use and related workflows in primary care to support growth in uptake.

Expanding the Role of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Modern Diabetes Care Beyond Type 1 Disease

Application of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has moved diabetes care from a reactive to a proactive process, in which a person with diabetes can prevent episodes of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, rather than taking action only once low and high glucose are detected. Consequently, CGM devices are now seen as the standard of care for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Evidence now supports the use of CGM in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on any treatment regimen, not just for those on insulin therapy. Expanding the application of CGM to include all people with T1DM or T2DM can support effective intensification of therapies to reduce glucose exposure and lower the risk of complications and hospital admissions, which are associated with high healthcare costs. All of this can be achieved while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia and improving quality of life for people with diabetes. Wider application of CGM can also bring considerable benefits for women with diabetes during pregnancy and their children, as well as providing support for acute care of hospital inpatients who experience the adverse effects of hyperglycemia following admission and surgical procedures, as a consequence of treatment-related insulin resistance or reduced insulin secretion. By tailoring the application of CGM for daily or intermittent use, depending on the patient profile and their needs, one can ensure the cost-effectiveness of CGM in each setting. In this article we discuss the evidence-based benefits of expanding the use of CGM technology to include all people with diabetes, along with a diverse population of people with non-diabetic glycemic dysregulation.

Comparison of Weight Reduction, Change in Parameters and Safety of a Very Low Carbohydrate Diet in Comparison to a Low Carbohydrate Diet in Obese Japanese Subjects with Metabolic Disorders

Recently, low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have gained worldwide attention. LCDs are potentially effective for Japanese overweight and obese individuals with metabolic disorders. However, few randomized trials of LCDs have focused on the difference between LCDs and VLCDs. We conducted a randomized, prospective study of 42 Japanese, obese adults aged 28–65 years to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LCD and VLCD. To ensure the accuracy of the study, all test meals were provided, and compliance was checked using a smartphone app. Body composition measurements and blood tests were performed before and after the 2-month dietary intervention. The results showed that both methods significantly reduced body weight and fat, and also improved lipid abnormalities and liver function. In the current study, the reductions in weight and fat were comparable. The results of a questionnaire at the end of the study indicated that the LCD was easier to carry out than the VLCD, suggesting that the LCD was sustainable. The present study was unique in that it was a randomized, prospective study of Japanese subjects and that accurate data were obtained by providing meals.

Calibration of insulin pumps based on discrete doses at given cycle times

One application in the medical treatment at very small flow rates is the usage of an Insulin pump that delivers doses of insulin at constant cycle times for a specific basal rate as quasi-continuous insulin delivery, which is an important cornerstone in diabetes management. The calibration of these basal rates are performed by either gravimetric or optical methods, which have been developed within the European Metrology Program for Innovation and Research (EMPIR) Joint Research Project (JRP) 18HLT08 Metrology for drug delivery II (MeDDII). These measurement techniques are described in this paper, and an improved approach of the analytical procedure given in the standard IEC 60601-2-24:2012 for determining the discrete doses and the corresponding basal rates is discussed in detail. These improvements allow detailed follow up of dose cycle time and delivered doses as a function of time to identify some artefacts of the measurement method or malfunctioning of the insulin pump. Moreover, the calibration results of different basal rates and bolus deliveries for the gravimetric and the optical methods are also presented. Some analysis issues that should be addressed to prevent misinterpreting of the calibration results are discussed. One of the main issues is the average over a period of time which is an integer multiple of the cycle time to determine the basal rate with the analytical methods described in this paper.

Health-related quality of life and its determinants among patients with diabetes mellitus: a multicentre cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES

This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its determinants in patients with diabetes.

DESIGN AND SETTING

An institutional-based multicentre prospective cross-sectional study design was conducted in diabetes follow-up clinics of selected hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from April to July 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

All eligible adult patients with diabetes at the selected facilities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

HRQoL was measured using EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D-5L) and the EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scales (EQ-VAS) instruments. A lower EQ-5D-5L utility mean score for each dimension and/or an overall lower utility score of EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS scores are intended to show poor HRQoL. Linear regression analysis was used to identify the association of HRQoL and other variables.

RESULTS

Out of the 422 samples approached, 402 (95.3%) participated in the study. Most of the participants (>85%) reported having moderate-to-severe problems in all five EQ dimensions. The overall EQ-5D-5L utility and EQ-VAS scores were 0.56 (±0.11) and 56.7 (±10.1), respectively. A higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), a higher number of medications (p = 0.037), a high level of blood glucose (p < 0.001), the presence of comorbidities and/or complications (p = 0.031), hypoglycaemia (p = 0.043) and taking insulin (p < 0.001) were associated with worsened HRQoL, whereas practicing self-monitoring of blood glucose (p = 0.002) and taking aspirin (p = 0.008) had a significant association with increased HRQoL.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that the HRQoL of patients was compromised in all five measuring dimensions. The EQ-5D-5L utility and EQ-VAS scores were far lower than other findings. Clinical and medication-related variables, such as a higher BMI, a higher number of medications, the presence of comorbidities and/or complications, hypoglycaemia and insulin use were associated with poor HRQoL in patients with diabetes. As a result, interventions should be individualised and focused on determinant factors.

Transition From Pediatric to Adult Care for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes: Opportunities and Challenges

OBJECTIVES

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic disease with patients across the age spectrum that has high potential for morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, patients transitioning from pediatric to adult care continue to demonstrate worsened glycemic control in part due to lack of understanding of transition of care best practices.

METHODS

This review highlights the impact of existing transition of care interventions, assessment tools, and other recently published strategies for providers to consider to improve care of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with T1D in both hospital- and clinic-based settings.

RESULTS

Many barriers impact patients with T1D during the transition period and disparities by race, sex, insurance status, and comorbid illness persist. As diabetic care continues to evolve and the prevalence of adolescents and young adults living with T1D increases, an intentional approach to transition of care is more pressing than ever. While current literature on transition of care models is limited, many show promise in improving clinic attendance and decreasing hospitalization. There are critical discussions that providers should lead with AYA patients to improve their outcomes and increase diabetes self-management, such as re-addressing carbohydrate counseling, sleep hygiene, and reproductive planning.

CONCLUSION

While further research on transition of care is needed, many care models offer the promise of improved T1D outcomes, enhancements in our approach to care, and increased value for our health care system at large.

The association of long-acting insulin analogue use versus neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin use and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among individuals with type 2 diabetes: A population-based cohort study

AIMS

To compare the risk of cardiovascular outcomes associated with long-acting insulin analogues versus neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin among patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum, linked with hospitalization and vital statistics data. Patients with type 2 diabetes who initiated basal insulin treatment between 2002 and 2018 were included in the study. Exposure was defined as current use of long-acting insulin analogues or NPH insulin, defined using a time-varying approach. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; a composite endpoint of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and cardiovascular death). We used a marginal structural Cox proportional hazards model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for MACE with current use of long-acting insulin analogues versus NPH insulin, and in secondary analyses, by long-acting insulin molecule.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 57 334 patients. A total of 3494 MACE occurred over a mean follow-up of 1.6 years (incidence rate 37.4, 95% CI 36.2 to 38.7 per 1000 person-years). Long-acting insulin analogues were associated with a decreased risk of MACE compared to NPH insulin (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Current use of long-acting insulin analogues is associated with a modestly reduced risk of MACE compared to current use of NPH insulin among patients with type 2 diabetes. This study could have important implications for drug plan managers and guideline-writing committees for recommendations of insulin treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Characteristics of new users of recent antidiabetic drugs in Canada and the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

Characteristics of patients using newer 2^nd and 3^rd line antidiabetic drugs in a real-world setting are poorly understood. We described the characteristics of new users of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) between 2016 and 2018.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-database cohort study using administrative health databases from 7 Canadian provinces and the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. We assembled a base cohort of antidiabetic drug users between 2006 and 2018, from which we constructed 3 cohorts of new users of SGLT-2i, DPP-4i, and GLP-1 RA between 2016 and 2018.

RESULTS

Our cohorts included 194,070 new users of DPP-4i, 166,722 new users of SGLT-2i, and 27,719 new users of GLP-1 RA. New users of GLP-1 RA were more likely to be younger (mean ± SD: 56.7 ± 12.2 years) than new users of DPP-4i (67.8 ± 12.3 years) or SGLT-2i (64.4 ± 11.1 years). In Canada, new users of DPP-4i were more likely to have a history of coronary artery disease (22%) than new users of SGLT-2i (20%) or GLP-1 RA (15%).

CONCLUSION

Although SGLT-2i, DPP-4i, and GLP-1 RAs are recommended as 2^nd or 3^rd line therapy for type 2 diabetes, important differences exist in the characteristics of users of these drugs. Contrary to existing guidelines, new users of DPP-4i had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease at baseline than new users of SGLT2i or GLP-1RA.

Microfluidic microwave biosensor based on biomimetic materials for the quantitative detection of glucose

This paper presents a microwave microfluidic biosensor for monitoring blood glucose levels. The glucose sensor is a triple ring microstrip patch antenna integrated with a biomimetic microfluidic device capable of measuring a fixed volume of glucose solution. The sensor was utilized to detect 50–500 mg/dL glucose solutions. The interaction of the glucose solution with the electromagnetic field on the patch's surface influences both the resonance frequency and the magnitude of reflection coefficient. The results indicate that the microfluidic device can reduce experimental error and enhance the correlation between glucose concentration, resonant frequency, and reflection coefficient. Finally, the microfluidic sensor had a sensitivity of 0.25 MHz/(mg/dL), a detection limit as low as 7.7 mg/dL, and correlation coefficients of resonance frequency and reflection coefficient with a glucose concentration of 0.996 and 0.984, respectively. The experiment on the sensor's stability verifies the sensor's excellent stability and rapid response (~ 150 ms). Consequently, the device can be used to differentiate the concentration of glucose solutions, as well as to detect blood glucose levels at an early stage.

Medication adherence and its impact on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with comorbidity: A multicenter cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Medication nonadherence in patients with chronic diseases, particularly in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with comorbidity, has continued to be the cause of treatment failure. The current study assessed medication adherence and its impact on glycemic control in T2DM patients with comorbidity.

Methods

An institutional-based multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among T2DM patients with comorbidity at the selected hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. Medication adherence was measured using a structured questionnaire of the General Medication Adherence Scale (GMAS). A logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of the level of medication adherence and glycemic control. P < 0.05 at 95% confidence interval (CI) was statistically significant.

Results

A total of 403 samples were included in the final study. This study showed that more than three-fourths (76.9%) of the participants were under a low level of medication adherence. Source of medication cost coverage [AOR = 10.593, 95% CI (2.628–41.835; P = 0.003], monthly income (P < 0.00), self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) practice [AOR = 0.266, 95% CI (0.117–0.604); P = 0.002], number of medications [AOR = 0.068, 95% CI (0.004–0.813); P = 0.014] and medical conditions [AOR = 0.307, 95% CI (0.026–0.437); P = 0.018] were found to be significant predictors of medication adherence. Significantly, majority (74.7%) of participants had poor levels of glycemic control. Patients who had a high level of medication adherence [AOR = 0.003, 95% CI (0.000–0.113); P = 0.002] were found less likely to have poor glycemic control compared with patients who were low adherent to their medications.

Conclusion

The current study concluded that medication adherence was low and significantly associated with poor glycemic control. Number of medical conditions and medications were found to be associated with medication adherence. Management interventions of T2DM patients with comorbidity should focus on the improvement of medication adherence.

El sentido de coherencia y las habilidades para la vida como factores protectores en personas con prediabetes

OBJETIVO

analizar el sentido de coherencia y las habilidades para la vida y su relación con el cumplimiento del estilo de vida saludable.

MÉTODO

estudio observacional transversal en personas con prediabetes atendidas en atención primaria, quienes respondieron a un cuestionario con variables sociodemográficas y hábitos saludables y a los cuestionarios de sentido de coherencia y habilidades para la vida. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo, bivariante y un modelo de regresión múltiple.

RESULTADOS

los y las participantes con mayor sentido de coherencia son quienes presentan mayores habilidades para la vida (Pearson = 0.470; p ⩽ 0.001) y mantienen un estilo de vida más saludable (B:1.24; p = 0.001). Una mayor puntuación de las habilidades de la vida se relaciona con un estilo de vida saludable (Pearson = 0.355, p < 0.001). El sentido de coherencia predice el estilo de vida saludable (BB = 0.21, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIÓN

las personas con prediabetes con un mayor sentido de coherencia y más habilidades para la vida realizan conductas más saludables con relación a la dieta, al ejercicio físico y al hábito tabáquico. Las personas con mayor sentido de coherencia tienen mayor probabilidad de seguir el estilo de vida saludable.

Improving Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Using Mobile Applications and e-Coaching: A Mixed Treatment Comparison Network Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study compared the effectiveness of glycemic control among usual care, care management using a mobile application (app), and management using an app with additional e-coaching for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using a mixed treatment comparison (MTC) network meta-analysis (NMA).

METHODS

A systematic search for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted, which included Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAL, Koreamed, KMbase, and ScienceOn, until October 2020. Among the 10,391 studies identified after removing duplicates, 14 RCTs were finally included in the MTC NMA. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for assessing the risk-of-bias in randomized trials (RoB 2) was performed. The comparative efficacy was analyzed using the random-effects NMA based on a frequentist model by the intervention group and main outcome variables.

RESULTS

At the 3-month follow-up after each intervention, a comparison of the P-scores revealed the app plus e-coaching intervention to be the most effective method for reducing the HbA1c level in a homogeneous gender ratio group (P-score 0.92). At the 6-month follow-up period, app intervention was the best in reducing the HbA1c level in the homogeneous gender ratio and under 60 years of age group (P-score 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on MTC analysis using the data from published RCTs, mobile apps or apps with e-coaching interventions for T2DM patients were more effective in improving the HbA1c values, FBS, and hypoglycemia frequency than usual care. Nevertheless, further research will be needed to clarify the effects of adding e-coaching to the app.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Research Registry UIN (reviewregistry780).

Psychosocial aspects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in children with type 1 diabetes in Egypt; a limited resources country perspective

BACKGROUND

Novel innovations continue to emerge in type-1 diabetes (T1D) management aiming to improve glycemic control. Assessing the psychosocial outcomes of different treatment modalities is specifically crucial among children with T1D and differs from one population to another.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the health related quality of life (HRQoL) and confidence in diabetes self-management (CIDS) among children with T1D on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus multiple daily injections (MDI) and to correlate them with the efficacy of glycemic control, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents(MINI-KID) depression module and socioeconomic-standard scale.

METHODS

This real life study (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT04756011) included 60 children with T1D (30 on CSII and 30 on MDI), aged 6-18 years. Disease duration, insulin therapy, average self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and HbA1C were assessed. CIDS, socioeconomic-standard, MINI-KID depression and HRQoL scales were applied.

RESULTS

Children with T1D on CSII have significantly higher HRQoL and CIDS than those on MDI (P < 0.001). A significant negative correlation is found between HRQoL and insulin daily dose(P = 0.022), HbA1C(P < 0.001), average SMBG(P < 0.001) and MINI-KID depression scale(P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation is found between HRQoL and CIDS(P < 0.001) and health care, home sanitation, family possessions and occupation socioeconomic scores(P = 0.033, P = 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that HRQoL is most associated with MINI-KID depression scale (P = 0.004) and annual total cost(P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Children with T1D on CSII have significantly better HRQoL, CIDS and HbA1C with less depression than those on MDI.

A sports and health application for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus -An end-user survey on expectations and requirements

Purpose

The aim of this survey is to investigate T1DM patients' expectations for and requirements of an ideal mobile self-management app with a special focus on functions for sports and exercise.

Methods

A total of 251 persons participated in the survey. After checking for completeness and plausibility, the answers of 167 patients diagnosed with T1DM (66% female, 34% male) were analyzed.

Results

The key features/aspects that were identified as being "rather important"/"very important" by more than 75% of respondents are: data security (96.4%), integration of further health data (e.g., heart rate, step count, calories) from other apps already installed on their smartphone (92.2%), automatic import of glucose data from other apps (91.6%), individual target setting (87.4%), warnings about abnormal glucose levels (82.6%), warnings about other abnormal health data (81.4%), diary function (80.8%), information on the training session after the workout (80.8%) and displaying/processing of further fitness variables (such as heart rate, step count, etc.) from other health-related wearable systems (77.8%).

Conclusions

This study identifies the most relevant features of an ideal self-management app with functions for sports and exercise targeted at patients with T1DM that should be considered in the development of such an app.

Kernel machine learning methods to handle missing responses with complex predictors. Application in modelling five-year glucose changes using distributional representations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Missing data is a ubiquitous problem in longitudinal studies due to the number of patients lost to follow-up. Kernel methods have enriched the machine learning field by successfully managing non-vectorial predictors, such as graphs, strings, and probability distributions, and have emerged as a promising tool for the analysis of complex data stemming from modern healthcare. This paper proposes a new set of kernel methods to handle missing data in the response variables. These methods will be applied to predict long-term changes in glycated haemoglobin (A1c), the primary biomarker used to diagnose and monitor the progression of diabetes mellitus, making emphasis on exploring the predictive potential of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

METHODS

We propose a new framework of non-linear kernel methods for testing statistical independence, selecting relevant predictors, and quantifying the uncertainty of the resultant predictive models. As a novelty in the clinical analysis, we used a distributional representation of CGM as a predictor and compared its performance with that of traditional diabetes biomarkers.

RESULTS

The results show that, after the incorporation of CGM information, predictive ability increases from R²=0.61 to R²=0.71. In addition, uncertainty analysis is useful for characterising some subpopulations where predictivity is worsened, and a more personalised clinical follow-up is advisable according to expected patient uncertainty in glucose values.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed methods have proven to deal effectively with missing data. They also have the potential to improve the results of predictive tasks by including new complex objects as explanatory variables and modelling arbitrary dependence relations. The application of these methods to a longitudinal study of diabetes showed that the inclusion of a distributional representation of CGM data provides greater sensitivity in predicting five-year A1c changes than classical diabetes biomarkers and traditional CGM metrics.

Level of Agreement and Correlation Between the Estimated Hemoglobin A1c Results Derived by Continuous or Conventional Glucose Monitoring Systems Compared with the Point-of-Care or Laboratory-Based Measurements: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is an important marker for diabetes care management. With the increasing use of new technologies such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and point-of-care testing (POCT), patients and their physicians have been able to monitor and continuously check their blood glucose levels in an efficient and timely manner. This study aimed to investigate the level of agreement between the standard laboratory test for HbA1c (Lab-HbA1c) with point-of-care testing (POCT-HbA1c) and glucose monitoring index (GMI) derived by intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM) or estimated average glucose (eAG) derived by conventional self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) devices.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Saudi Arabia, between May and December 2020 with 81 patients with diabetes who used the isCGM system (n = 30) or conventional finger-pricking SMBG system (n = 51). At the same visit, venous and capillary blood samples were taken for routine HbA1c analysis by the standard laboratory and POCT methods, respectively. Also, for isCGM users, the GMI data for 28 days (GMI-28) and 90 days (GMI-90) were obtained, while for SMBG users, eAG data for 30 days (eAG-30) and 90 days (eAG-90) were calculated. The limits of agreement in different HbA1c measurements were evaluated using a Bland-Altman analysis. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

Based on the Bland-Altman analysis, HbA1c levels for 96.7% and 96.1% of the patients analyzed by the POCT and the standard laboratory methods were within the range of the 95% limit of agreement in both isCGM and conventional SMBG users, respectively. About 93.3% of the GMI measurements were within the 95% limit of agreement. Also, about 94.12% of the eAG-30 and 90.2% of the eAG-90 measurements were within the 95% limit of agreement. Moreover, the correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation and linear regression among Lab-HbA1c, POCT-HbA1c, GMI, and eAG in both conventional SMBG and isCGM users (all p < 0.001). These positive results persisted significantly after adjusting for different factors (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

GMI derived by isCGM or eAG derived by conventional SMBG systems, as well as the POCT-HbA1c measurements, showed a high level of agreement; therefore, we recommend them as potential methods for diabetes monitoring, especially when a rapid result is needed or with patients with uncontrolled diabetes or on intensive insulin therapy.

Effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring in maintaining glycaemic control among people with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials and meta-analysis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this work was to assess the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) vs self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in maintaining glycaemic control among people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, trial registries and grey literature were searched from 9 June 2011 until 22 December 2020 for RCTs comparing CGM intervention against SMBG control among the non-pregnant individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus of all ages and both sexes on multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with HbA1c levels, severe hypoglycaemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as outcomes. Studies also included any individual or caregiver-led CGM systems. Studies involving GlucoWatch were excluded. Risk of bias was appraised with Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed using Review Manager software and R software, respectively. Heterogeneity was evaluated using χ2 and I2 statistics. Overall effects and certainty of evidence were evaluated using Z statistic and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) software.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies, involving 2188 individuals with type 1 diabetes, were identified. Most studies had low risk of bias. Meta-analysis of 21 studies involving 2149 individuals revealed that CGM significantly decreased HbA1c levels compared with SMBG (mean difference -2.46 mmol/mol [-0.23%] [95% CI -3.83, -1.08], Z = 3.50, p=0.0005), with larger effects experienced among higher baseline HbA1c >64 mmol/mol (>8%) individuals (mean difference -4.67 mmol/mol [-0.43%] [95% CI -6.04, -3.30], Z = 6.69, p<0.00001). However, CGM had no influence on the number of severe hypoglycaemia (p=0.13) and DKA events (p=0.88). Certainty of evidence was moderate.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

CGM is superior to SMBG in improving glycaemic control among individuals with type 1 diabetes in the community, especially in those with uncontrolled glycaemia. Individuals with type 1 diabetes with HbA1c >64 mmol/mol (>8%) are most likely to benefit from CGM. Current findings could not confer a concrete conclusion on the effectiveness of CGM on DKA outcome as DKA incidences were rare. Current evidence is also limited to outpatient settings. Future research should evaluate the accuracy of CGM and the effectiveness of CGM across different age groups and insulin regimens as these remain unclear in this paper.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

Registration no. CRD42020207042.

FUNDING

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

A Brief Review on the Evolution of Technology in Exercise and Sport in Type 1 Diabetes: Past, Present, and Future

One hundred years ago, insulin was first used to successfully lower blood glucose levels in young people living with what was then called juvenile diabetes. While insulin was not a cure for diabetes, it allowed individuals to resume a near normal life and have some freedom to eat more liberally and gain the strength they needed to live a more active lifestyle. Since then, a number of therapeutic and technical advances have arisen to further improve the health and wellbeing of individuals living with type 1 diabetes, allowing many to participate in sport at the local, regional, national or international level of competition. This review and commentary highlights some of the key advances in diabetes management in sport over the last 100 years since the discovery of insulin.

Glucose variability as the risk factor of preeclampsia in pregnant patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To analyze glucose variability and investigate its role as a predictor for preeclampsia development in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with various insulin therapy regimens.

METHODS

A total of 200 pregnant women with T1DM were included in the study. A hundred women used continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), and the rest of the group was administered with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), index calculation of glucose variability (MAGE, MODD, CONGA, and CV), assessment of preeclampsia frequency and severity were conducted.

RESULTS

The work results show the link between the severity rate of preeclampsia and the duration of T1DM as well as the level of HbA1c before and during pregnancy. The rate of preeclampsia in the group of women, using CSII comprises 26.8% of cases that appear less than in the group of those, administered with MDI that is 46.6% (χ² = 5.45; р < .05). A negative correlation is defined between pathological glucose variability and gestational age when preeclampsia occurs. A negative correlation was also revealed between MODD, CV, and the time for the detection of preeclampsia: r = -0.30, r = -0.24, respectively. The study illustrates the correlation obtained between preeclampsia and glucose variability and the value of MAGE, MODD, CV, and SD. Preeclampsia development is affected by the duration of hyperglycemic conditions in the third trimester of pregnancy. The data in the group of women using MDI marks the early development of preeclampsia on the 33.0 [32-34] week of pregnancy compared to the group of women practicing CSII on 35.5 [33-36] week of pregnancy (Z = 5.4; p < .001). The increase of risk of preeclampsia development is proved in pregnant patients with T1DM when the hyperglycemic condition lasts more than 25% of a 24-h period according to the rate of CGM and measurements of glucose variability MODD > 1.07 and CONGA > 3.39.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive evaluation of the glycemic profile while using CGM revealed a correlation between pathological glucose variability and the frequency and severity of preeclampsia thus proving the benefits of CSII in pregnant patients with T1DM to perform glycemic targets and decrease glucose variability, which eventually led to the decrease of preeclampsia frequency in this group of women.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Healthy Adults-Possible Applications in Health Care, Wellness, and Sports

INTRODUCTION

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems were primarily developed for patients with diabetes mellitus. However, these systems are increasingly being used by individuals who do not have diabetes mellitus. This mini review describes possible applications of CGM systems in healthy adults in health care, wellness, and sports.

RESULTS

CGM systems can be used for early detection of abnormal glucose regulation. Learning from CGM data how the intake of foods with different glycemic loads and physical activity affect glucose responses can be helpful in improving nutritional and/or physical activity behavior. Furthermore, states of stress that affect glucose dynamics could be made visible. Physical performance and/or regeneration can be improved as CGM systems can provide information on glucose values and dynamics that may help optimize nutritional strategies pre-, during, and post-exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

CGM has a high potential for health benefits and self-optimization. More scientific studies are needed to improve the interpretation of CGM data. The interaction with other wearables and combined data collection and analysis in one single device would contribute to developing more precise recommendations for users.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes With 35 Years Duration From the DCCT/EDIC Study

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles in a subset of adults with type 1 diabetes from the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (DCCT/EDIC) study to characterize the frequency of glycemic excursions and contributing factors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

CGM-derived metrics were compared for daytime and nighttime periods using blinded CGM for a minimum of 6.5 days (average 11.9 days) and correlated with HbA1c levels, routine use of diabetes devices, and other characteristics in 765 participants.

RESULTS

Participants were 58.9 ± 6.5 years of age with diabetes duration 36.8 ± 4.9 years and HbA1c 7.8 ± 1.2%; 58% used insulin pumps, and 27% used personal, unblinded CGM. Compared with daytime, nighttime mean sensor glucose was lower, percent time in range 70-180 mg/dL (TIR) was similar, and hypoglycemia was more common. Over the entire recording period, only 9% of the 765 participants achieved >70% TIR and only 28% achieved <1% of observations of <54 mg/dL. Indeed, participants with the highest percentage of hypoglycemia had the lowest HbA1c levels. However, use of insulin pumps and CGM decreased the percent time at <54 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

In adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes, short-term blinded CGM profiles revealed frequent clinically significant hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dL) during the night and more time in hyperglycemia during the day. The small subset of participants using routine CGM and insulin pumps had fewer hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic excursions and lower HbA1c levels. Thus, strategies to lower meal-stimulated hyperglycemia during the day and prevent hypoglycemia at night are relevant clinical goals in older patients with type 1 diabetes.

Machine Learning and Smart Devices for Diabetes Management: Systematic Review

(1) Background: The use of smart devices to better manage diabetes has increased significantly in recent years. These technologies have been introduced in order to make life easier for patients with diabetes by allowing better control of the stability of blood sugar levels and anticipating the occurrence of dangerous events (hypo/hyperglycemia), etc. That being said, the main objectives of the self-management of diabetes is to improve the lifestyle and life quality of patients with diabetes; (2) Methods: We performed a systematic review based on articles that focus on the use of smart devices for the monitoring and better management of diabetes. The search was focused on keywords related to the topic, such as “Diabetes”, “Technology”, “Self-management”, “Artificial Intelligence”, etc. This was performed using databases, such as Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed; (3) Results: A total of 89 studies, published between 2011 and 2021, were included. The majority of the selected research aims to solve a diabetes management problem (e.g., blood glucose prediction, early detection of risk events, and the automatic adjustment of insulin doses, etc.). In these studies, wearable devices were used in combination with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques; (4) Conclusions: Wearable devices have attracted a great deal of scientific interest in the field of healthcare for people with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. They are capable of assisting in the management of diabetes, as well as preventing complications associated with this condition. Furthermore, the usage of these devices has improved illness management and quality of life.

Randomised controlled trial of Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop in an Adult Population with Type 1 Diabetes (ADAPT): study protocol and rationale

INTRODUCTION

For many people with type 1 diabetes who struggle to achieve glycaemic control with multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI) plus self-monitoring of blood glucose, MDI plus intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (IS-CGM) or real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM), or insulin administration using insulin pump therapy represent optimised care in many regions. Through technological advances an advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) system has been developed; studies of incremental effects relative to MDI plus IS-CGM are lacking.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop study in Adult Population with Type 1 Diabetes (ADAPT) study is a multinational, prospective, open-label, confirmatory and exploratory randomised controlled trial to examine outcomes with the MiniMed 670G version 4.0 AHCL system (with an equivalent algorithm and commercialised as the MiniMed 780G system, referred to as AHCL) relative to MDI plus IS-CGM in adults with baseline HbA1c≥8.0%. An exploratory cohort will compare AHCL with MDI plus RT-CGM. The study will be conducted in approximately 124 adults on MDI plus either IS-CGM or RT-CGM for at least 3 months prior to screening. The primary endpoint will be the difference in mean HbA1c change from baseline to 6 months between the AHCL and the MDI plus IS-CGM arms. Secondary endpoints will include proportion of time spent in hypoglycaemic, euglycaemic and hyperglycaemic ranges.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The ADAPT study will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki and local laws and regulations, and has been approved by ethics committees. The trial will provide valuable information on the incremental benefits that may be provided by AHCL for patients failing to achieve glycaemic targets on MDI plus IS-CGM or RT-CGM and form a basis for health economic evaluations to support market access.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04235504; Pre-results.

Minimally-Invasive and Efficient Method to Accurately Fit the Bergman Minimal Model to Diabetes Type 2

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus is a global burden that is expected to grow 25 % by 2030. This will increase the need for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. Animal and individualized in silico models will allow understanding and compensation for inter and intra-individual differences in treatment and management strategies for diabetic patients. The method presented here can advance the concept of personalized medicine.

Methods

Twenty experiments were performed with Sprague-Dawley rats with streptozotocin induced experimental diabetes in which the insulin-glucose response curve was recorded over 60-100 min using only an insulin pump and a percutaneous glucose sensor. The information was used to fit the five-parameter Bergman Minimal Model to the experimental results using a genetic algorithm with a root-mean-squared optimization rule.

Results

The Bergman Minimal Model parameters were estimated with high accuracy, low prediction bias, and low average root-mean-squared error of 15.27 mg/dl glucose.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a simple method to accurately parameterize the Bergman Minimal Model. We used Sprague-Dawley rats since their physiology is close to that of humans. The parameters can be used to objectively characterize the physiological severity of diabetes. In this way, planned treatments can compensate for natural variations of conditions both inter and intra patients. Changes in parameters indicate the patient's diabetic condition using values of glucose effectiveness ( S G = p 1 ) and insulin sensitivity ( S I = p 3 / p 2 ). Quantifying the diabetic patient's condition is consistent with the trend toward personalized medicine. Parameter values can also be used to explain atypical research results of other studies and increase understanding of diabetes.

Technological Developments and Quality of Life in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Review of the Modern Insulin Analogues, Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Pump Therapy

BACKGROUND

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which is characterized by an increased prevalence worldwide, which, in fact, tends to take extensive dimensions. The recent rapid development of science and technology has significantly contributed to the improvement of the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus, both in achieving the required euglycaemic regulation and reducing the psychological burden associated with the disease, consequently improving the quality of life of the patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A literature review from 2010, related to the contribution of the modern insulin analogues, continuous glucose monitoring and the insulin pump, was performed using Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed databases.

RESULTS

Studies included in the review support a direct and indirect association of technological innovations with the quality of life. The use of type 1 diabetes mellitus technology was negatively associated with the frequency of the hypoglycaemias and the value of the glycosylated hemoglobin, while at the same time, the development and use of the related technology were highly associated with an improvement in the quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Patients' quality of life is an indicator of the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus, and it is just as important as glycaemic regulation. Through this review, it was concluded that a better quality of life of T1DM patients was associated with the improvement of glycosylated hemoglobin and hypoglycemic episodes.

Dietary and lifestyle habits of patients with type 2 diabetes in Subotica

Introduction: The activities of the health care service in the control of diabetes and the improvement of glucoregulation of patients are primarily focused on lifestyle modification. The goal of this study was to review the recommendations in the field of adequate nutrition and lifestyle and to assess the health behavior of patients with type 2 diabetes in Subotica. Methodology: The research was conducted in the form of a cross-sectional study in February 2017 at the Diabetes Counseling Center of the Health Center in Subotica, Serbia. The study included 114 patients with type 2 diabetes. The research instrument consisted of a customized survey questionnaire. Results: Only a third of the patients actually consumed at least five meals a day, that was suggested as part of the treatment. Three-quarters of patients always prepared their own meals, but 41% of them never read the declarations about the ingredients of the food they consumed. Twenty percent of patients did not know how to assemble a healthy plate and what low-carbohydrate foods were. Two-thirds of patients used dietary supplements. A relatively small number, one-quarter of patients, consumed alcoholic beverages and 22 patients were active smokers. More than half of the patients exercised lightly, although 68% of them were dissatisfied with their body weight. Conclusion: We identified some deficiencies in the health behavior and lifestyle of people with diabetes. There is a recommendation to repeat the information on proper nutrition and the importance of physical activity in achieving ideal health and optimal glucoregulation during the educational work with patients.

Time in range: new parameter to evaluate blood glucose control

Continuous glucose monitoring became more common in everyday clinical practice. New parameters have been created as a standard for assessing the degree of control for people with diabetes and can be used more clearly than glycated haemoglobin. The new parameter time in range represents a significant benefit not only for diabetologists, but also an important tool to help the patients in their daily lives with diabetes.

Self-administered oral glucose tolerance test with capillary glucose measurements for the screening of diabetes mellitus in high-risk adults: a feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

Early diagnosis of prediabetes based on blood sampling for the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is crucial for intervention but multiple barriers hinder its uptake. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and precision of a self-administered capillary OGTT for type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in high-risk individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants with history of gestational diabetes or prediabetes were recruited in primary care. Due to their prediabetic status and previous diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus, a proportion of participants had previous experience doing OGTT. They self-administered the capillary OGTT and concurrently their venous glucose samples were obtained. They filled a questionnaire to collect their demographic information, views of their capillary OGTT, and their preferred site of the test.

RESULTS

Among 30 participants enrolled in this feasibility study, 93.3% of them felt confident of performing the capillary OGTT themselves, and 70.0% preferred the test at home. Older, less educated participants found it less acceptable. Mean capillary glucose values were significantly higher than venous glucose values, with mean difference at 0.31 mmol/L (95% CI 0.13 to 0.49) at fasting, and 0.47 mmol/L (95% CI 0.12 to 0.92) 2 hours post-OGTT. Capillary and venous glucose measurements were correlated for fasting (r=0.95; p<0.001) and 2-hour-post-OGTT (r=0.95;p<0.001). The Fleiss-Kappa Score (0.79, p<0.0001) indicated fair agreement between the two methods. The capillary OGTT had excellent sensitivity (94.1%) and negative predictive value (NPV=91.7%) in identifying prediabetes or T2DM status, vis-a-vis to venous glucose samples.

CONCLUSION

Self-administered capillary OGTT is feasible and acceptable, especially among younger adults, with excellent sensitivity and NPV compared with plasma-based OGTT.

Renal outcomes of diabetic patients treated with combination therapy of ACE inhibitors plus either thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers: comparative retrospective cohort study in Northwestern Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

The study determined the comparative renal functions on patients with diabetes treated with ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) plus either thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in Northwestern Ethiopia.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study design was employed to collect the data from medical records of patients with diabetes followed for 1-5 years (N=404).

SETTING

The medical records of patients in chronic diabetic follow-up clinics of the hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

All the patients with diabetes medical records in Northwestern Ethiopian specialised hospital.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Exposures were ACEIs plus thiazide diuretics or CCBs collected from March to June 2020. Outcomes were defined as declining in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values by ≥30% from the baseline recorded from 2015 to 2019. Descriptive and analytical statistics were illustrated to compare the study groups. Kaplan-Meier with log- rank test was used to plot the survival analyses curve. Potential factors substantially associated to renal events were examined using cox proportional hazards model.

RESULT

About 20% of patients developed renal events and significant numbers were from hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) users. The mean eGFR levels were significantly higher in patients on CCBs users over the follow-up years compared with HCT-based users. The CCBs users had an 18.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher in eGFR levels at the end of the follow-up period than HCT users (p<0.001). HCT users had shorter survival probability overtime to develop the outcomes compared with CCBs users (p=0.003). The CCBs-based regimen prevented risks of declining in renal function by 56.4% than HCT (p=0.001). Hazards of declining in eGFR levels were 93% higher for the patients with initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were more than 150 mm Hg (p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

Compared with HCT, patients on CCBs had significantly prevented risks of renal events. However, both groups appeared with the same cardiovascular events. HCT-based regimen and higher initial SBP levels were significantly associated with eGFR reductions.

Lost in Translation: A Disconnect Between the Science and Medicare Coverage Criteria for Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

Numerous studies have demonstrated the clinical value and safety of insulin pump therapy in type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes populations. However, the eligibility criteria for insulin pump coverage required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) discount conclusive evidence that supports insulin pump use in diabetes populations that are currently deemed ineligible. This article discusses the limitations and inconsistencies of the insulin pump eligibility criteria relative to current scientific evidence and proposes workable solutions to address this issue and improve the safety and care of all individuals with diabetes.

Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Glycaemic Control in King Fahad Hospital

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is an approved procedure for weight reduction in obese patients. This outcome of weight loss is essential to achieve optimal control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of LSG on glycemic control among a sample of obese patients in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia, through assessment of reduction in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) associated with weight loss following LSG.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we studied 102 patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m2 and aged ≥18 years who underwent LSG between January 2017 and December 2019. Patient age, characteristics, preoperative and postoperative records of BMI and HbA1c were collected. The data of BMI and HbA1c were analyzed based on baseline and mean postoperative readings with variable postoperative visits after LSG.

RESULTS

There was a 30% reduction in BMI and a 26.4% reduction in HbA1c following LSG from baseline in all patients. We noted 44 patients achieved BMI <40kg/m2 with HbA1c <6.5% and 32 patients achieved BMI <40kg/m2 with HbA1c <5.7% within a mean follow-up time of 10 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) has a positive effect on glycemic control in obese patients in short term, evidenced by the significant reduction of weight and HbA1c. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to assess the long-term impact of LSG glycemic control and the related factors associated with maintaining weight reduction and optimal glycemic control in Saudi Arabia for patients with obesity.

Healthcare Professional Perceptions of Blood Glucose Meter Features That Support Achievement of Self-Management Goals Recommended by Clinical Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Blood glucose meters remain an effective tool for blood glucose monitoring (BGM) but not all meters provide the same level of insight beyond the numerical glucose result.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate healthcare professional (HCP) perceptions of four meters and how these meters support the achievement of self-management goals recommended by diabetes clinical practice guidelines.

METHODS

Three hundred and fifty-three HCPs from five countries reviewed the features and benefits of four meters using interactive webpages and then responded to statements about the utility of each meter and ranked each meter in terms of clinical value.

RESULTS

Meter D ranked significantly higher in terms of clinical utility for all 13 guideline questions (70%-84%, P < .05) compared to other meters. Endocrinologists (69%-85%), primary care physicians (PCP; 63%-80%), and diabetes nurses (DN; 80%-89%) consistently ranked meter D highest for all guideline questions. DNs ranked selected questions significantly higher compared to PCPs (8 of 13) or endocrinologists (3 of 13; P < .05). Meter D achieved strong endorsement from HCPs in France and Germany, followed by the United States and Canada, with comparatively lower responses from Italian HCPs (P < 0.05). With respect to self-management, 80% of HCPs selected meter D as their first choice for patients with type 1 diabetes to help patients improve diabetes management or understand their numbers to help them stay in range.

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs had strong preference for a meter providing additional insights, messages, and guidance direct to the patient to support achievement of self-management goals recommended by diabetes clinical practice guidelines.

Evolving Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Beyond Intensive Insulin Treatment

Numerous studies have demonstrated the clinical benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use in individuals with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) who are treated with intensive insulin therapy. A growing body of evidence suggests that CGM use may also confer similar glycemic benefits in T2D individuals who are treated with less-intensive therapies. Investigators are also exploring the potential use of CGM as an aid in weight management. This article reviews the continuing evolution of CGM, focusing on how CGM may be used to improve glycemic control and promote adoption of desired health behaviors within broader T2D and prediabetes populations.

Emerging and Public Health Challenges Existing in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes in Pregnancy

We review the evidence available worldwide on the various challenges in the screening, management, prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetes in pregnancy. The use of multiple screening and diagnostic tests prescribed by numerous guidelines is challenging for practitioners. Also, sociocultural, demographic and economic challenges affect the prevention and care. Life-course perspectives need to be adopted, as well as an integrated approach in public health care is essential. Tackling these challenges at each phase of life-course, with development and adherence to the country-specific guidelines by practitioners can decrease the burden of gestational diabetes mellitus and diabetes in pregnancy.

A practical approach to the clinical challenges in initiation of basal insulin therapy in people with type 2 diabetes

Initiating insulin therapy with a basal insulin analogue has become a standard of care in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Despite increasing choices in pharmacological approaches, intensified glucose monitoring and improvements in quality of care, many patients do not achieve the desired level of glycaemic control. Although insulin therapy, when optimized, can help patients reach their glycaemic goals, there are barriers to treatment initiation on both the side of the patient and provider. Providers experience barriers based on their perceptions of patients' capabilities and concerns. They may lack the confidence to solve the practical problems of insulin therapy and avoid decisions they perceive as risky for their patients. In this study, we review recommendations for basal insulin initiation, focussing on glycaemic targets, titration, monitoring, and combination therapy with non-insulin anti-hyperglycaemic medications. We provide practical advice on how to address some of the key problems encountered in everyday clinical practice and give recommendations where there are gaps in knowledge or guidelines. We also discuss common challenges faced by people with T2DM, such as weight gain and hypoglycaemia, and how providers can address and overcome them.

Demanding devices - Living with diabetes devices as a pre-teen

Diabetes technology is an integral part of the lives of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, children's experiences with these technologies are often overlooked. Furthermore, little is known about psychosocial aspects of technology use during children's transition to adolescence. The aim of this study was to explore how children with T1D perceive, make sense of and handle diabetes technologies in their everyday lives. Data were obtained from interviews with 18 children with T1D aged 10-14 years (pre-teens). The interviews were conducted between March and August 2019 in Denmark. Photos were used as probes to facilitate discussion and reflection about issues pre-teens found important. The study was informed by a technology-in-practice perspective to articulate how diabetes technologies were embedded in practices of use. The analysis focused on insulin pumps and technologies for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). We found that these technologies introduced tensions regarding dependence and independence, wanted and unwanted attention, worries and peace of mind, treatment and care, visibility and invisibility as well as control and loss of control. We synthesized the tensions into the following three themes which characterized the pre-teens' relationship with diabetes technology: 1) demanding devices, 2) the social context of using diabetes technologies, and 3) care and support through data. Our findings indicate the need for researchers and clinicians to engage with the social and emotional dimensions of living with diabetes technologies. Importantly, this includes recognizing the norms underlying diabetes technologies and how these inform care in pre-teens with T1D.

Metabolic control and hypoglycaemia in people with type 1 diabetes: insulin pump therapy vs. intensified insulin therapy in an unselected cohort in routine care

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare individuals with type 1 diabetes with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and intensified insulin therapy (ICT) in routine care regarding metabolic control and treatment satisfaction.

METHODS

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (CSII n = 74; ICT n = 163) were analysed regarding metabolic control, frequency of hypoglycaemia and treatment satisfaction (DTSQs range 0-36).

RESULTS

Individuals with CSII (duration of CSII: 14.1 ± 7.2 years) were younger (51.1 ± 15.8 vs. 56.2 ± 16.2 years, p = 0.023), had longer diabetes duration (28.7 ± 12.4 vs. 24.6 ± 14.3 years, p = 0.033), lower insulin dosage (0.6 ± 0.2 vs. 0.7 ± 0.4 IU/kg, p = 0.004), used more frequently short-acting analogue insulin (90.5% vs. 48.5%, p < 0.001) and flash/continuous glucose monitoring (50.0% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.009) than people with ICT. HbA1c was similar between CSII and ICT (7.1 ± 0.8%/54.4 ± 9.1 mmol/mol vs. 7.2 ± 1.0%/55.7 ± 10.9 mmol/mol, p = 0.353). Individuals with CSII had higher frequency of non-severe hypoglycaemia per week (in people with blood glucose monitoring: 1.9 ± 1.7 vs. 1.2 ± 1.6, p = 0.014; in people with flash/continuous glucose monitoring: 3.3 ± 2.2 vs. 2.1 ± 2.0, p = 0.006). Prevalence of polyneuropathy (18.9% vs. 38.0%, p = 0.004) and systolic blood pressure (138.0 ± 16.4 vs. 143.9 ± 17.1 mmHg, p = 0.014) was lower in CSII. Satisfaction with diabetes treatment (26.7 ± 7.3 vs. 26.0 ± 6.8, p = 0.600) did not differ between CSII and ICT.

CONCLUSIONS

CSII and ICT yielded comparable metabolic control and treatment satisfaction but CSII was associated with higher incidence of non-severe hypoglycaemia and lower insulin dosage.

Direct-to-Consumer Tests on the Market Today: Identifying Valuable Tests from Those with Limited Utility

Debate exists between the consumer and the health care provider when it comes to the value of direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing. At the heart of the issue is the observation that consumers are identifying value in DTC testing as evidenced by an expanding market, and health care providers are skeptical of their value from an analytical and clinical utility perspective. The aim of this article is to briefly review the subject of DTC testing with a specific focus on value from the perspective of the consumer and the health care provider.

Evaluating the relationship between clinical and demographic characteristics of insulin-using people with diabetes and their health outcomes: a cluster analysis application

Background

The aim of this study was to determine how clusters or subgroups of insulin-treated people with diabetes, based upon healthcare resource utilization, select social demographic and clinical characteristics, and diabetes management parameters, are related to health outcomes including acute care visits and hospital admissions.

Methods

This was a non-experimental, retrospective cluster analysis. We utilized Aetna administrative claims data to identify insulin-using people with diabetes with service dates from 01 January 2015 to 30 June 2018. The study included adults over the age of 18 years who had a diagnosis of type 1 (T1DM) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on insulin therapy and had Aetna medical and pharmacy coverage for at least 18 months (6 months prior and 12 months after their index date, defined as either their first insulin prescription fill date or their earliest date allowing for 6 months’ prior coverage). We used K-means clustering methods to identify relevant subgroups of people with diabetes based on 13 primary outcome variables.

Results

A total of 100,650 insulin-using people with diabetes were identified in the Aetna administrative claims database and met study criteria, including 11,826 (11.7%) with T1DM and 88,824 (88.3%) with T2DM. Of these 79,053 (78.5%) people were existing insulin users. Seven distinct clusters were identified with different characteristics and potential risks of diabetes complications. Overall, clusters were significantly associated with differences in healthcare utilization (emergency room visits, inpatient admissions, and total inpatient days) after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions

This analysis of healthcare claims data using clustering methodologies identified meaningful subgroups of patients with diabetes using insulin. The subgroups differed in comorbidity burden, healthcare utilization, and demographic factors which could be used to identify higher risk patients and/or guide the management and treatment of diabetes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06603-0.

Barriers to Technology Use and Endocrinology Care for Underserved Communities With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Disparities in type 1 diabetes related to use of technologies like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and utilization of diabetes care are pronounced based on socioeconomic status (SES), race, and ethnicity. However, systematic reports of perspectives from patients in vulnerable communities regarding barriers are limited.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To better understand barriers, focus groups were conducted in Florida and California with adults ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes with selection criteria including hospitalization for diabetic ketoacidosis, HbA_1c >9%, and/or receiving care at a Federally Qualified Health Center. Sixteen focus groups were conducted in English or Spanish with 86 adults (mean age 42 ± 16.2 years). Transcript themes and pre-focus group demographic survey data were analyzed. In order of frequency, barriers to diabetes technology and endocrinology care included 1) provider level (negative provider encounters), 2) system level (financial coverage), and 3) individual level (preferences).

RESULTS

Over 50% of participants had not seen an endocrinologist in the past year or were only seen once including during hospital visits. In Florida, there was less technology use overall (38% used CGMs in FL and 63% in CA; 43% used pumps in FL and 69% in CA) and significant differences in pump use by SES (P = 0.02 in FL; P = 0.08 in CA) and race/ethnicity (P = 0.01 in FL; P = 0.80 in CA). In California, there were significant differences in CGM use by race/ethnicity (P = 0.05 in CA; P = 0.56 in FL) and education level (P = 0.02 in CA; P = 0.90 in FL).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide novel insights into the experiences of vulnerable communities and demonstrate the need for multilevel interventions aimed at offsetting disparities in diabetes.

Utilisation, access and recommendations regarding technologies for people living with type 1 diabetes: consensus statement of the ADS/ADEA/APEG/ADIPS Working Group

INTRODUCTION

Type 1 diabetes presents significant challenges for optimal management. Despite intensive glycaemic control being the standard of care for several decades, glycaemic targets are infrequently achieved and the burden of complications remains high. Therefore, the advancement of diabetes management technologies has a major role in reducing the clinical and economic impact of the disease on people living with type 1 diabetes and on health care systems. However, a national framework is needed to ensure equitable and sustainable implementation of these technologies as part of holistic care.

MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS

This consensus statement considers technologies for insulin delivery, glucose sensing and insulin dose advice that are commercially available in Australia. While international position statements have provided recommendations for technology implementation, the ADS/ADEA/APEG/ADIPS Working Group believes that focus needs to shift from strict trial-based glycaemic criteria towards engagement and individualised management goals that consider the broad spectrum of benefits offered by technologies.

CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS RESULT OF THIS STATEMENT

This Australian consensus statement from peak national bodies for the management of diabetes across the lifespan outlines a national framework for the optimal implementation of technologies for people with type 1 diabetes. The Working Group highlights issues regarding equity of access to technologies and services, scope of clinical practice, credentialling and accreditation requirements, regulatory issues with "do-it-yourself" technology, national benchmarking, safety reporting, and ongoing patient advocacy.