Prevalence of Insulin Pump Therapy and Its Association with Measures of Glycemic Control: Results from the Canadian Study of Longevity in Type 1 Diabetes

Fasted C-Peptide Distribution and Associated Clinical Factors in Adults With Longstanding Type 1 Diabetes: Analysis of the Canadian Study of Longevity in Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Although insulin production is reportedly retained in many people with longstanding type 1 diabetes (T1D), the magnitude and relevance of connecting peptide (C-peptide) production are uncertain. In this study, we aimed to define fasted C-peptide distributions and associated clinical factors.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Study of Longevity, fasted serum and urinary C-peptide was measured in 74 patients with longstanding T1D (duration ≥50 years) and 75 age- and sex-matched controls. Extensive phenotyping for complications was performed and patient-reported variables were included. C-peptide distributions were analyzed, and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the variable association in participants with T1D.

RESULTS

The 74 participants with T1D had a mean age of 66±8 years, a disease duration of 54 (interquartile range 52 to 58) years, and a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) of 7.4%±0.8% (56.8±9.15 mmol/mol). The 75 controls had a mean age of 65±8 years and an A1C of 5.7%±0.4% (38.4±4.05 mmol/mol). Participants with T1D had lower fasted serum C-peptide than controls (0.013±0.022 vs 1.595±1.099 nmol/L, p<0.001). Of the participants with T1D, C-peptide was detectable in 30 of 73 (41%) serum samples, 32 of 74 (43%) urine samples, and 48 of 74 (65%) for either serum or urine. The variables independently associated with detectable serum or urinary C-peptide were lower total daily insulin requirement (odds ratio 2.351 [for 1 lower unit/kg], p=0.013) and lower hypoglycemia worry score (odds ratio 1.059 [for 1 point lower on the worry subscore of the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey], p=0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Although detectable C-peptide in longstanding diabetes was common, the magnitude of concentration was extremely low when compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Despite minimal detectability, its presence is validated by lower insulin requirements and strongly associated with lower hypoglycemia worry.

Effect of diabetes technologies on the fear of hypoglycaemia among people living with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Fear of hypoglycaemia (FOH) significantly disrupts the daily management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and increases the risk of complications. Recent technological advances can improve glucose metrics and reduce hypoglycaemia frequency, yet their impact on FOH is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aimed to synthesize the current literature to understand the impact of diabetes technologies on FOH in T1D.

Methods

In this SRMA, we searched PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception up to May 21st, 2023 for studies assessing the effect of using real-time or intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitors (rtCGM or isCGM); insulin pumps (CSII); and their combinations on FOH as the primary outcome, measured using the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey (HFS; including total, worries [HFS-W], and behaviours [HFS-B] scores), in non-pregnant adults with T1D. Data was extracted by the first and second authors. Results were pooled using a random-effects model based on study design (RCT and non-RCT), with subgroup analysis based on the type of technology, reported change in hypoglycaemia frequency, and duration of use. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021253618.

Findings

A total of 51 studies (n = 8966) were included, 22 of which were RCTs. Studies on rtCGM and CSII reported lower FOH levels with ≥8 weeks of use. Studies on CSII and rtCGM combinations reported lower FOH levels after ≥13 weeks of automated insulin delivery (AID) use or 26 weeks of sensor-augmented pump (SAP) use. The meta-analysis showed an overall lower FOH with technologies, specifically for the HFS-W subscale. The RCT meta-analysis showed lower HFS-W scores with rtCGM use (standard mean difference [95%CI]: -0.14 [-0.23, -0.05], I2 = 0%) and AID (-0.17 [-0.33, -0.01], I2 = 0%). Results from non-RCT studies show that SAP users (-0.33 [-0.38, -0.27], I2 = 0%) and rtCGM users (-0.38 [-0.61, -0.14], I2 = 0%) had lower HFS-W.

Interpretation

We found consistent, yet small to moderate, effects supporting that diabetes technologies (specifically rtCGM, SAP, and AID) may reduce hypoglycaemia-related worries in adults with T1D. Current literature, however, has limitations including discrepancies in baseline characteristics and limited, mainly descriptive, statistical analysis. Thus, future studies should assess FOH as a primary outcome, use validated surveys, and appropriate statistical analysis to evaluate the clinical impacts of technology use beyond just glucose metrics.

Funding

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ltd.

The association between physical activity time and neuropathy in longstanding type 1 diabetes: A cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian study of longevity in type 1 diabetes

AIM

Physical activity (PA) is recommended to improve glycemic control in T1D; however, the effect of PA on distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) and cardiac autonomic function in longstanding T1D is unknown.

METHODS

Data from 75 participants were collected as part of the Canadian Study of Longevity in T1D. Participants completed a physical exam, medical history, extensive complications phenotyping and reported their daily PA from the preceding 12-months. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to assess PA time and complications variables. Linear regression was used to test associations between PA time, neurological and electrophysiological measures. Univariable regression was used to indicate the change in the given independent variables associated with a 30-min increase in PA per week.

RESULTS

Participants were 66 ± 8 years old with diabetes duration of 54 [52,58] years, HbA_1c was 7.3 ± 0.8, 65(89%) had DSPN. Weekly PA time was 156 ± 132 min, and 35(47%) reported ≧150 min/week. Participants with DSPN reported lower PA time compared to individuals without DSPN (141 ± 124 min/week vs. 258 ± 129 min/week; p = 0.015). PA time was associated with better cooling detection threshold (r = 0.24; p = 0.043), peroneal and sural amplitude (r = 0.36; p = 0.0017, r_s = 0.26; p = 0.024) and conduction velocity (r_s = 0.28; p = 0.015, r = 0.23; p = 0.050). Linear regression adjusting for age and HbA1c, showed that for each 30-min of PA there was a 0.09mv higher peroneal amplitude (p = 0.032) and 0.048 ms lower peroneal F-wave latency (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

In longstanding T1D, PA time is associated with superior large nerve fibre function in the lower limbs and some better measures of small nerve fibre function.

Impact of government-funded insulin pump programs on insulin pump use in Canada: a cross-sectional study using the National Diabetes Repository

INTRODUCTION

Insulin pump access in type 1 diabetes may be inequitable. We studied the association between government funding programs for insulin pumps and rates of insulin pump use and disparities between pump users and non-users.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adults with type 1 diabetes were identified in the National Diabetes Repository, a primary care electronic medical record database of individuals with diabetes from five Canadian provinces. Proportions of individuals using insulin pumps were compared between provinces with and without pump funding programs. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of insulin pump use adjusting for confounders. Univariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of insulin pump use according to each predictor, according to pump funding program status.

RESULTS

Of 1559 adults with type 1 diabetes, proportions using insulin pumps were 47.8% (95% CI 45.1% to 50.5%) and 37.7% (95% CI 31.5% to 44.1%) in provinces with and without pump funding programs (p=0.0038). Adjusting for age, sex, HbA1c, income quintile, and rural/urban location, the OR for insulin pump use was 1.45 (1.08-1.94) for provinces with pump funding programs compared with provinces without. Higher income was associated with a greater odds of insulin pump use in provinces with pump funding programs, and rural/urban location was not associated with insulin pump use.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin pump use is more common in regions with government funding programs. Further research is required to best understand and comprehensively address persistent income disparities between pump users and non-users despite the availability of reimbursement programs.

Canadian Real-World Outcomes of Omnipod Initiation in People with Type 1 Diabetes (COPPER study): Evidence from the LMC Diabetes Registry

AIMS

To investigate real-world clinical outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes who initiated the Omnipod Insulin Management System (Insulet Corp., Acton, MA, USA) compared to a matched cohort who maintained multiple daily injection therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study used data from the Canadian LMC Diabetes Registry. Adults with type 1 diabetes who switched from multiple daily injections to the Omnipod system as usual standard of care between January 2011 and April 2019 were matched to a cohort of adults with type 1 diabetes who maintained multiple daily injection therapy, using propensity-score matching. The primary outcome was change in HbA_1c at 3- to 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Propensity-score matching resulted in a final analytical cohort of 286 individuals (143/cohort). HbA_1c in the Omnipod cohort was reduced by a mean ± sd of -3 ± 10 mmol/mol (-0.2 ± 1.0%; P = 0.005) with no change in the MDI cohort [0 ± 10 mmol/mol (0.0 ± 1.0%); P = 0.74]. HbA_1c change was seen only in persons with baseline HbA_1c ≥75 mmol/mol (≥9.0%) [Omnipod cohort: -15 ± 12 mmol/mol (-1.4 ± 1.1%); P < 0.001] with a between-treatment difference [mean (95% CI)] of -12 (-18, -6) mmol/mol [-1.1 (-1.6, -0.5) %, P < 0.001]. The median total daily dose of insulin was lower following Omnipod initiation (baseline 0.63 U/kg vs follow-up 0.53 U/kg; P < 0.001), with no change in the MDI cohort (baseline 0.68 U/kg vs follow-up 0.67 U/kg; P = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with type 1 diabetes who initiated use of the Omnipod system in a real-world clinical setting had lower HbA_1c and total daily dose of insulin at 3- to 6-month follow-up compared to a matched cohort of adults who maintained multiple daily injection therapy. A treatment difference in HbA_1c change was seen only in people with baseline HbA_1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol (9.0%). (Clinical trials registration: NCT04226378).

Discoveries from the study of longstanding type 1 diabetes

Award programmes that acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of long-term survivors with type 1 diabetes have naturally evolved into research programmes to determine the factors associated with survivorship and resistance to chronic complications. In this review, we present an overview of the methodological sources of selection bias inherent in survivorship research (selection of those with early-onset diabetes, incidence-prevalence bias and bias from losses to follow-up in cohort studies) and the breadth and depth of literature focusing on this special study population. We focus on the learnings from the study of longstanding type 1 diabetes on discoveries about the natural history of insulin production loss and microvascular complications, and mechanisms associated with them that may in future offer therapeutic targets. We detail descriptive findings about the prevalence of preserved insulin production and resistance to complications, and the putative mechanisms associated with such resistance. To date, findings imply that the following mechanisms exist: strategies to maintain or recover beta cells and their function; activation of specific glycolytic enzymes such as pyruvate kinase M2; modification of AGE production and processing; novel mechanisms for modification of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation, in particular those that may normalise afferent rather than efferent renal arteriolar resistance; and activation and modification of processes such as retinol binding and DNA damage checkpoint proteins. Among the many clinical and public health insights, research into this special study population has identified putative mechanisms that may in future serve as therapeutic targets, knowledge that likely could not have been gained without studying long-term survivors.

Relationships between inflammation, hemodynamic function and RAAS in longstanding type 1 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease

The renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) is associated with renal disease and inflammation in a diabetes setting, however, little is known about the implicated mechanisms in individuals with long standing diabetes. Accordingly, our aim was to perform an observational study to quantify urinary excretion of inflammatory biomarkers in participants with long standing type 1 diabetes (T1D) (with and without diabetic kidney disease [DKD]) and controls, at baseline and in response to RAAS activation. GFR_INULIN, ERPF_PAH, and 42 urine inflammatory biomarkers were measured in 74 participants with T1D for ≥50 years (21 with DKD and 44 without DKD [DKD resistors]) and 73 healthy controls. Additionally, inflammatory biomarkers were measured before and after an angiotensin II infusion (ANGII, 1 ng∙kg^-1∙min^-1). Significantly lower urinary excretion of cytokines (IL-18, IL-1RA, IL-8), chemokines (MCP1, RANTES) and growth factors (TGF-α, PDGFAA, PDGFBB, VEGF-A) was observed in participants with T1D at baseline compared to controls. Urinary IL-6 was higher in DKD than in DKD resistors in an exploratory analysis unadjusted for multiple comparisons. In T1D only, lower GFR_INULIN correlated with greater excretion of proinflammatory biomarkers (IL-18, IP-10, & RANTES), growth factors (PDGF-AA & VEGFAA), and chemokines (eotaxin & MCP-1). ANGII increased 31 of 42 inflammatory biomarkers in T1D vs controls (p < 0.05), regardless of DKD resistor status. In conclusion, lower GFR and intra-renal RAAS activation were associated with increased inflammation even after longstanding T1D. The increased urinary IL-6 in patients with DKD requires further investigation to determine whether IL-6 is a candidate protective biomarker for prognostication or targeted therapy in DKD.

The Canadian LMC Diabetes Registry: A Profile of the Demographics, Management, and Outcomes of Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective: Clinical guidelines now define the standard of diabetes care, but few health care jurisdictions systematically assess their practicality and impact. The Canadian LMC Diabetes Registry includes the electronic health records of >50 endocrinologists in three provinces and provides quarterly real-time outcome reports to each endocrinologist. This retrospective cohort study aimed to characterize the demographics, treatment regimens, and outcomes of the type 1 diabetes (T1D) patient population in the registry. Research Design and Methods: Adults were included if they had a clinical diagnosis of T1D, had seen an LMC endocrinologist between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2018, and had follow-up >6 months. This study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04162067). Results: The resulting cohort included 3600 individuals with mean age of 43.9 ± 15.3 years and duration of diabetes of 21.5 ± 13.9 years. Mean hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) was 8.1% ± 1.5% and only 22.5% had achieved HbA1c ≤7.0%. In each measure, individuals in younger cohorts showed poorer glycemic control than older cohorts. Within each age cohort, insulin pump users showed a lower mean HbA1c than those using multiple daily injections, especially in cohorts who were also not using a continuous glucose monitor. Overall, 63.1% reported at least weekly hypoglycemia, whereas 3.6% reported severe hypoglycemia ≥1 per year. Conclusions: Despite receiving care in an advanced well-resourced environment, within a public health care system, from specialists armed with regular patient outcomes feedback, most individuals with T1D are unable to achieve the goals recommended by clinical practice guidelines.

Quality of Life in Children With Diabetes Treated With Insulin Pump Compared With Multiple Daily Injections in Tertiary Care Center

Background:

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) and Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) have been widely used as options in treating diabetes in childhood. Glycemic control is important to reduce diabetes complications; however, more focus needs to be on patients’ Quality of Life (QoL). Diabetes and QoL have strong associations in terms of patients’ overall health including their psychology, physical well-being, compliance with medication. A previous systematic review stressed that strong evidence to deny or prove the benefits of insulin pump therapy on health-related quality of life is deficient. The aim of this study is to assess the health-related quality of life and the psychological impacts of children with diabetes who use CSII and MDI treatment.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study included 68 pediatric patients with type 1 Diabetes (T1DM) who were treated in a tertiary center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We used the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Diabetes Module and this module assesses the health-related quality of life of children with diabetes.

Results:

Thirty-four (50%) participants found to be on MDI, of which 21 (61.8%) are males, compared to 34 (50%) patients using CSII, of which 12 (35.2%) are females. Participants using CSII had statistically significant better symptom control, less treatment difficulties but were more worrisome than MDI participants.

Conclusion:

CSII group had better quality of life in almost all aspects even though they were more worrisome. Further studies with a larger sample size are needed to give comprehensive generalizations.

Efficacy and safety of long-term insulin pump treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes aged over 50 years

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy using insulin pumps has become widely used in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). This retrospective study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of long-term insulin pump treatment in patients with T1DM aged ≥50 years. The study included patients aged ≥50 years, who had a diagnosis of T1DM based on clinical criteria and/or presence of autoantibodies characteristic of autoimmune diabetes, and had received ≥5 years of recent and uninterrupted treatment with a personal insulin pump. We analyzed records on HbA1c levels across the entire observation period. The cohort comprised 17 patients, of whom 6 (35%) were men and 11 (65%) were women. The mean duration of observation was 6.6 years, during which patients had a mean of 8.4 HbA1c measurements. Mean HbA1c level over the entire observation period was 6.7% (range, 5.3-7.4%). Overall, 11 patients (65%) had mean HbA1c levels at the ADA-recommended target of <7% and 5 patients (29%) had mean HbA1c <6.5%. Mean HbA1c level was significantly lower at the end of the observation period than at the start (6.52% versus 6.91%; difference, -0.39%; p < 0.01), indicating an improvement in glycaemic control over time. On average, patients experienced one level 1 hypoglycaemia episode every 2.4 days. This retrospective analysis of at least 5 years of follow-up of selected patients with T1DM aged ≥50 years at the start of observation, showed that CSII is a safe and effective treatment option in this age group.

Glycemic Control and Hypoglycemia in Patients Treated with Insulin Pump Therapy: An Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide. It has been associated with an important morbimortality due to its complications and sometimes as a result of adverse events related to treatment. Insulin pump therapy (IPT) is one of the options used to control this disease and reduces one of the most frequent complication associated with treatment: hypoglycemia, which has also a great impact on life quality and clinical status of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A descriptive and retrospective study was performed including patients treated and followed by the department of endocrinology from a high-complexity university hospital in Cali, Colombia, between 2012 and 2017. Patients were on IPT and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): MiniMed Paradigm® Veo™ Insulin Pump (Medtronic®) and MiniMed 640G Insulin Pump-Enlite™ Sensor (Medtronic®). Presentation of hypoglycemia and variables associated with its development were evaluated.

RESULTS

51 patients were included. The main indication for IPT initiation was the report of hypoglycemic episodes and inappropriate metabolic control. Initiation of IPT was related with a decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and also a decrease in severe hypoglycemic events and hospitalization due to hypoglycemia. The risk factors linked with clinically significant hypoglycemia were male gender, and standard deviation of glucose measures calculated by CGM. A diminished glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (<60 mL/min/1.73 m²) was correlated with higher risk of severe hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

IPT with CGM is a useful strategy in the management of patients with DM; it is associated with a reduction of adverse hypoglycemic events and hospitalizations due to hypoglycemia.

Bone mineral density in patients with longstanding type 1 diabetes: Results from the Canadian Study of Longevity in Type 1 Diabetes

AIM

It is currently unclear if longstanding type 1 diabetes (T1D) affects bone mineral density (BMD).

METHODS

BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and history of fragility fracture was determined in 75 T1D participants with ≥50 years of diabetes duration and 75 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls. BMD T-scores were determined for the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN).

RESULTS

T1D participants had median diabetes duration of 54 [52, 58] years, 41 (55%) were females, and mean A_1c was 7.3 ± 0.8%. T1D females had higher LS T-scores compared to female controls (-0.3 ± 1.2 vs. -1.1 ± 1.4, p = 0.014), lower FN T-scores (-1.5 ± 1.0 vs. -1.2 ± 0.9, p = 0.042) and more fragility fractures (7 (17%) vs. 1 (2%), p = 0.021). In T1D, higher A1c was associated with higher adjusted odds of fragility fracture (p = 0.006). T1D males and controls showed no difference in BMD or fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no substantial differences in T-score between T1D and matched controls; however, T1D females showed higher BMD at the LS and possibly paradoxically higher fragility fractures compared to matched controls. These findings suggest that lower T-scores may not be associated with a history of fragility fracture in females with longstanding T1D and that other factors should be investigated.

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion in Adult Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: Results from a Public Health System

Aims: To analyze prevalence and clinical effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in adult type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients in a public health system real-world scenario. Materials and Methods: All adult T1DM patients on CSII being followed at Castilla-La Mancha Health Public Service were included. Primary efficacy outcome was the change in HbA_1c during the follow-up. Secondary efficacy outcomes included evaluation of the following variables: insulin pump indications, diabetes complication rates, insulin and pump use, continuous glucose monitoring use, patients achieving an HbA_1c decrease ≥6 mmol/mol (0.5%) with or without severe hypoglycemia, and discontinuations. Direct patient data were typed through the web-based Spanish national registry on CSII therapy by nine diabetologists from eight different health care areas. Results: A total of 7% of T1DM adult patients were treated with insulin pumps in our region, with a regional prevalence of 18.7 CSII patients/100,000 inhabitants. Three hundred thirteen patients were analyzed with a mean age of 34.1 ± 11.0 years and T1DM duration of 16.6 ± 9.7 years. Mean duration of CSII therapy was 6.2 ± 4.0 years. Data completion was 91.2%. Main indications for treatment were high glucose variability (36%) and suboptimal glycemic control (32%). Mean duration of CSII therapy was 6.2 ± 4.0 years. Sensor-augment pump therapy was used by 26% of the patients. Glycated hemoglobin decreased to -5 mmol/mol (95% CI -6 to -3 mmol/mol; P < 0.001) during the follow-up (Mean difference in change -0.4%, 95% CI -0.5 to -0.2; P < 0.001). Percentage of patients with severe hypoglycemia decreased from 32% to 13% (P < 0.001). Frequent nonsevere hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis were less frequent among patients using higher number of daily basal rates at the study end. The rate of CSII interruption was 3.8%. Conclusions: Prevalence of CSII therapy in our region remains under 10% of adult T1DM patients, although CSII treatment was associated with a sustained improvement in glycemic control.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily insulin injections in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus who fast during Ramadan: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The benefits and risks of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI) in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who fast during Ramadan are not known.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies conducted in PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and the Cochrane Library. Quality of included studies was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool for risk of bias assessment and analyses were performed using RevMan version 5.1.

RESULTS

From 709 records, 306 full text studies were assessed. After exclusions, the final analysis included a total of 9 studies. Heterogeneity for outcomes was I² = 0%. There was no significant difference for the change in glycemic control (HbA_1c) between CSII and MDI (P > 0.05). There was no change in weight or the lipid profile in patients with T1DM on MDI during Ramadan. There were insufficient data to assess the impact on glucose profiles and the incidence of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients on CSII or MDI during Ramadan.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies assessing the effect of CSII or MDI in patients with T1DM who fast during Ramadan are limited to observational studies and show no difference in the change in Hb_A1c, weight or lipids during Ramadan.

Estimating GFR by Serum Creatinine, Cystatin C, and β2-Microglobulin in Older Adults: Results From the Canadian Study of Longevity in Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is routinely used for clinical assessment of kidney function. However, the accuracy of estimating equations in older adults is uncertain.

Methods

In 66 adults with ≥50 years type 1 diabetes (T1D) duration and 73 nondiabetic controls from age/sex-matched subgroups (65 ± 8 years old and 77[55%] were women) we evaluated the performance of estimated GFR (eGFR) by creatinine (Modification of Diet and Renal Disease [MDRD], Chronic Kidney Disease–Epidemiology [CKD-EPI]_cr), cystatin C (CKD-EPI_cys, CKD-EPI_cr-cys), and β₂-microglobulin (β2M) compared with measured GFR by inulin clearance (mGFR). Performance was evaluated using metrics of bias (mean difference), precision (SD), and accuracy (proportion of eGFR that differed by >20% of mGFR).

Results

Mean mGFR was 104 ± 18 ml/min per 1.73 m² (range: 70–154 ml/min per 1.73 m²) and was not different between T1D and controls (103 ± 17 vs. 105 ± 19 ml/min per 1.73 m², P = 0.39). All equations significantly underestimated mGFR (bias: −15 to −30 ml/min per 1.73 m², P < 0.001 for all comparisons) except for β2M, which had bias of 1.9 ml/min per 1.73 m² (P = 0.61). Bias was greatest in cystatin C–based equations. Precision was lowest for β2M (SD: 43.5 ml/min per 1.73 m², P < 0.001 for each comparison). Accuracy was lowest for CKD-EPI_cysC (69.1%, P < 0.001 for each comparison). Cystatin C–based equations demonstrated greater bias and lower accuracy in older age subgroups (<60, 60–69, ≥70 years). All equations demonstrated greater bias across higher ranges of mGFR (60–89, 90–119, ≥120 ml/min per 1.73 m²). Results were similar between T1D and controls except that β2M had lower performance in T1D.

Conclusion

Better estimates of GFR in older adults are needed for research and clinical practice, as this subgroup of the population has an amplified risk for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that requires accurate GFR estimation methods.

Prevalence and geographical distribution of insulin pump therapy in the Central Denmark Region and its association with metabolic parameters

AIMS

Insulin treatment in type 1 diabetes encompasses multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Both population-based studies and comparative studies regarding CSII use are sparse. The aim of the current study was to describe the prevalence and distribution of CSII use among adults with type 1 diabetes in the Central Denmark Region and to compare metabolic control in CSII-treated patients to those treated with MDI.

METHODS

A database was constructed using the Danish Adult Diabetes Registry in 2014/2015 in combination with an audit of the patients' medical records.

RESULTS

3909 adults with type 1 diabetes patients were included. The proportion of patients treated with CSII differed significantly between the 8 regional hospitals from 12.0% to 31.1%. CSII users had a significantly lower HbA1c compared to MDI treated patients (7.6% (60 mmol/mol) versus 8.0% (64 mmol/mol)) in unadjusted analyses. After adjustment for clinically relevant characteristics the difference between CSII and MDI-treated patients was attenuated, but remained statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The distribution of CSII differed markedly between hospitals and CSII users had better glycemic control, even after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, diabetes duration, smoking, use of lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering medication.

Validity of a point-of-care nerve conduction device for polyneuropathy identification in older adults with diabetes: Results from the Canadian Study of Longevity in Type 1 Diabetes

Objective

Point-of-care nerve conduction devices (POCD) have been studied in younger patients and may facilitate screening for polyneuropathy in non-specialized clinical settings. However, performance may be impaired with advanced age owing to age-related changes in nerve conduction. We aimed to evaluate the validity of a POCD as a proxy for standard nerve conduction studies (NCS) in older adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Sural nerve amplitude potential (AMP) and sural nerve conduction velocity (CV) was measured in 68 participants with ≥ 50 years T1D duration and 71 controls (from age/sex-matched subgroups) using POCD and NCS protocols. Agreement was determined by the Bland-Altman method, and validity was determined by receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

T1D were 53% female, aged 66±8yr and had diabetes duration 54yr[52,58]. Controls were 56%(p = 0.69) female and aged 65±8yr(p = 0.36). Mean AMP_POCD and CV_POCD for the 139 participants was 7.4±5.8μV and 45.7±11.2m/s and mean AMP_NCS and CV_NCS was 7.2±6.1μV and 43.3±8.3m/s. Mean difference of AMP_POCD−AMP_NCS was 0.3±3.8μV and was 2.3±8.5m/s for CV_POCD−CV_NCS. A AMP_POCD of ≤6μV had 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity for identifying abnormal AMP_NCS, while a CV_POCD of ≤44m/s had 81% sensitivity and 82% specificity to identify abnormal CV_NCS. Abnormality in AMP_POCD or CV_POCD was associated with 87% sensitivity, while abnormality in both measures was associated with 97% specificity for polyneuropathy identification.

Conclusions

The POCD has strong agreement and diagnostic accuracy for identification of polyneuropathy in a high-risk subgroup and thus may represent a sufficiently accurate and rapid test for routinely detecting those with electrophysiological dysfunction.

Human Factors and Data Logging Processes With the Use of Advanced Technology for Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: Systematic Integrative Review

Background

People with type 1 diabetes (T1D) undertake self-management to prevent short and long-term complications. Advanced technology potentially supports such activities but requires consideration of psychological and behavioral constructs and usability issues. Economic factors and health care provider capacity influence access and uptake of advanced technology. Previous reviews have focused upon clinical outcomes or were descriptive or have synthesized studies on adults with those on children and young people where human factors are different.

Objective

This review described and examined the relationship between human factors and adherence with technology for data logging processes in adults with T1D.

Methods

A systematic literature search was undertaken by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Quality appraisal was undertaken and data were abstracted and categorized into the themes that underpinned the human factor constructs that were examined.

Results

A total of 18 studies were included. A total of 6 constructs emerged from the data analysis: the relationship between adherence to data logging and measurable outcomes; satisfaction with the transition to advanced technology for self-management; use of advanced technology and time spent on diabetes-related activities; strategies to mediate the complexities of diabetes and the use of advanced technology; cognition in the wild; and meanings, views, and perspectives from the users of technology.

Conclusions

Increased treatment satisfaction was found on transition from traditional to advanced technology use—insulin pump and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM); the most significant factor was when blood glucose levels were consistently <7.00 mmol/L (P ≤.01). Participants spent considerable time on their diabetes self-care. Logging of data was positively correlated with increasing age when using an app that provided meaningful feedback (regression coefficient=55.8 recordings/year; P ≤.01). There were benefits of CGM for older people in mediating complexities and fears of hypoglycemia with significant differences in well-being (P ≤.001).

Qualitative studies explored the contextual use and uptake of technology. The results suggested frustrations with CGM, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, calibration of devices, and alarms. Furthermore implications for “body image” and the way in which “significant others” impacted on the behavior and attitude of the individual toward technology use. There were wide variations in the normal use of and interaction with technology across a continuum of sociocultural contexts, which has implications for the way in which future technologies should be designed.

Quantitative studies were limited by small sample sizes, making it difficult to generalize findings to other contexts. This was further limited by a sample that was predominantly white, well-controlled, and engaged with self-care. The use of critical appraisal frameworks demonstrated where research into human factors and data logging processes of individuals could be improved. This included engaging people in the design of the technology, especially hard-to-reach or marginalized groups.

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation in long-standing type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), adjuvant treatment with inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which dilate the efferent arteriole, is associated with prevention of progressive albuminuria and renal dysfunction. Uncertainty still exists as to why some individuals with long-standing T1D develop diabetic kidney disease (DKD) while others do not (DKD resistors). We hypothesized that those with DKD would be distinguished from DKD resistors by the presence of RAAS activation.

METHODS

Renal and systemic hemodynamic function was measured before and after exogenous RAAS stimulation by intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (ANGII) in 75 patients with prolonged T1D durations and in equal numbers of nondiabetic controls. The primary outcome was change in renal vascular resistance (RVR) in response to RAAS stimulation, a measure of endogenous RAAS activation.

RESULTS

Those with DKD had less change in RVR following exogenous RAAS stimulation compared with DKD resistors or controls (19%, 29%, 31%, P = 0.008, DKD vs. DKD resistors), reflecting exaggerated endogenous renal RAAS activation. All T1D participants had similar changes in renal efferent arteroilar resistance (9% vs. 13%, P = 0.37) irrespective of DKD status, which reflected less change versus controls (20%, P = 0.03). In contrast, those with DKD exhibited comparatively less change in afferent arteriolar vascular resistance compared with DKD resistors or controls (33%, 48%, 48%, P = 0.031, DKD vs. DKD resistors), indicating higher endogenous RAAS activity.

CONCLUSION

In long-standing T1D, the intrarenal RAAS is exaggerated in DKD, which unexpectedly predominates at the afferent rather than the efferent arteriole, stimulating vasoconstriction.

FUNDING

JDRF operating grant 17-2013-312.

Diabetes Care Disparities in Long-standing Type 1 Diabetes in Canada and the U.S.: A Cross-sectional Comparison

OBJECTIVE

To assess national differences in diabetes care and quality of life (QOL) between individuals with long-standing type 1 diabetes (≥50 years) in Canada and the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional data from identical surveys administered in the Canadian Study of Longevity in Diabetes and the Joslin Medalist Study, collected in 2013-2016 and 2005-2011, respectively, were compared. Laboratory values and ophthalmic examination were completed by clinical care physicians for Canadians and the Joslin Clinic for Americans. Univariate comparisons and multivariable regression for HbA_1c, QOL, insulin pump use, and coronary artery disease (CAD) were performed. Nephropathy, CAD, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were self-reported; neuropathy was defined by a Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (Questionnaire component) score ≥3, and proliferative retinopathy was documented from ophthalmic examination. QOL was self-reported on an ordinal scale.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-one Canadians and 668 Americans had similar ages (mean 65.78 years [SD 8.67] vs. 66.38 years [7.66], P = 0.27) and durations of diabetes (median 53.00 years [interquartile range 51.00, 58.00] vs. 53.00 years [51.00, 57.00], P = 0.51). Canadians had higher HbA_1c (mean 7.53% [SD 1.03] [59 mmol/mol] vs. 7.22% [0.98] [55 mmol/mol], P < 0.0001), lower QOL (36.9% vs. 48.7% with "excellent" QOL, P = 0.0002), and less CAD (29.7% vs. 41.2%, P = 0.0003) and insulin pump use (43.3% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.0002). Other complication rates were similar. Residual differences for Canadians compared with Americans remained after adjustment for age, sex, CAD, PAD, education, and relevant a priori selected variables: 0.28% higher HbA_1c (P = 0.0004); and odds ratios of 0.68 (95% CI 0.51, 0.90), 0.46 (0.31, 0.68), and 0.71 (0.52, 0.96) for higher QOL, CAD, and insulin pump use, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although Canadians and Americans have similar rates of complications other than CAD, further research is required to understand why Canadians have higher HbA_1c levels, lower QOL, and less insulin pump use.

Practices, perceptions and expectations for carbohydrate counting in patients with type 1 diabetes - Results from an online survey

AIMS

Characterize adult patients with diabetes on intensive insulin therapy in terms of: (a) practices and perceived difficulties relative to carbohydrate counting (CC) and diabetes treatment, and (b) their perceptions and expectations relative to CC.

METHODS

Participants completed a 30-question web-based questionnaire.

RESULTS

Participants with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and using CC as part of their treatment plan (n=180) were included in this analysis. Participants were predominantly women (64%), aged 42±13years old and had diabetes for 22±13years. A large proportion of participants reported being confident in applying CC (78%) and considered precise CC as being important for glycemic control (91%), while only 17% reported finding CC difficult. Despite the low perceived difficulty associated with CC, many specific difficulties were encountered by patients such as the perception that glycemia fluctuates even with appropriate CC and that CC complicates the management of diabetes. A larger proportion of participants with a lower level of education (<university degree) and current or history of depression reported not feeling confident in applying CC. Most respondents believed that new technologies could facilitate CC (57%) and would be interested in such technology (62%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although a majority of participant reported being confident in applying CC, many difficulties and constraints associated with CC have been identified. These results highlight that patients with a lower level of education and with a history or current depression could benefit from specific CC education strategies. Future studies should examine the efficacy of technology tools to facilitate CC.