Uninterrupted continuous glucose monitoring access is associated with a decrease in HbA1c in youth with type 1 diabetes and public insurance

Exploring Real-World Adherence and Cost Implications of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Patients with Diabetes: Impact of Device Sourcing

BACKGROUND

Insurance benefit design influences whether individuals with diabetes who require a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to provide real-time feedback on their blood glucose levels can obtain the CGM device from either a pharmacy or a durable medical equipment supplier. The impact of the acquisition channel on device adherence and healthcare costs has not been systematically evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

Retrospective claims analysis compared the adherence rates for patients new to CGM therapy and the costs of care for individuals who obtained CGM devices from a pharmacy versus acquisition through a durable medical equipment supplier.

METHODS

Utilizing the Mariner Commercial Claims Database, individuals aged >18 years with documented diabetes and an initial CGM claim during the first quarter of 2021 (2021Q1, index date) were identified. Patients had to maintain uninterrupted enrollment for a duration of 15 months but file no CGM claim during the six months preceding the index date. Direct matching was employed to establish comparable Pharmacy and Durable Medical Equipment cohorts. Outcomes included quarterly adherence, reinitiation, and costs for the period from 2021Q1 to the third quarter of 2022 (2022Q3). Between-cohort differences in adherence rates and reinitiation rates were analyzed using z-tests, and cost differences were analyzed using t-tests.

RESULTS

Direct matching was employed to establish comparable Pharmacy and Durable Medical Equipment cohorts. A total of 2, 356 patients were identified, with 1,178 in the Pharmacy Cohort and 1,178 in the Durable Medical Equipment cohorts Cohort. Although adherence declined over time in both cohorts, the Durable Medical Equipment Cohort exhibited significantly superior adherence compared to the Pharmacy Cohort at 6 months (Pharmacy 52%; Durable Medical Equipment 65%; P<0.05), 9 months (Pharmacy 49%; Durable Medical Equipment cohorts 61%; P<0.05), and 12 months (Pharmacy 48%; Durable Medical Equipment 59%; P<0.05). Mean annual total medical costs for adherent patients in the Pharmacy Cohort were 53% higher than the Durable Medical Equipment Cohort (Pharmacy $10,635; Durable Medical Equipment $6,967; P<0.01). In non-adherent patients, the Durable Medical Equipment Cohort exhibited a significantly higher rate of therapy reinitiation during the period compared to the Pharmacy Cohort (Pharmacy 10%; Durable Medical Equipment 22%; P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this real-world claims analysis demonstrate that, in a matched set, individuals who received their CGM through a durable medical equipment supplier were more adherent to their device. For individuals who experienced a lapse in therapy, those whose supplies were provided through the durable medical equipment channel were more likely to resume use after an interruption than those who received their supplies from a pharmacy. In the matched cohort analysis, those who received their CGM equipment through a durable medical equipment supplier demonstrated a lower total cost of care.

CLINICALTRIAL

Equitable implementation of a precision digital health program for glucose management in individuals with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes

Few young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) meet glucose targets. Continuous glucose monitoring improves glycemia, but access is not equitable. We prospectively assessed the impact of a systematic and equitable digital-health-team-based care program implementing tighter glucose targets (HbA1c < 7%), early technology use (continuous glucose monitoring starts <1 month after diagnosis) and remote patient monitoring on glycemia in young people with newly diagnosed T1D enrolled in the Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control (4T Study 1). Primary outcome was HbA1c change from 4 to 12 months after diagnosis; the secondary outcome was achieving the HbA1c targets. The 4T Study 1 cohort (36.8% Hispanic and 35.3% publicly insured) had a mean HbA1c of 6.58%, 64% with HbA1c < 7% and mean time in the range (70-180 mg dl-1) of 68% at 1 year after diagnosis. Clinical implementation of the 4T Study 1 met the prespecified primary outcome and improved glycemia without unexpected serious adverse events. The strategies in the 4T Study 1 can be used to implement systematic and equitable care for individuals with T1D and translate to care for other chronic diseases. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04336969 .

Carbohydrate counting and insulin analogs to treat type 1 diabetes mellitus. How to improve metabolic control?

OBJECTIVES

Clinical-laboratory comparison of a population of children and adolescents with DM1 followed at a Brazilian outpatient university clinic, at two different periods (2014 and 2020), regarding changes made both to the insulin therapy scheme and to the nutritional approach to carbohydrate counting.

METHODS

The data of patients with DM1 aged 0-19 years enrolled in the service in 2014 and 2020 were collected. Student's t-test was performed to compare the means of HbA1c and the variables of interest.

RESULTS

NPH + regular insulin was predominantly used in 2014 (49.1%), while in 2020, the predominance shifted to insulin analogs (48.4%). Pump use tripled from 1.3% in 2014 to 4.4% in 2020, and the percentage of patients performing carbohydrate counting reduced from 28.3% to 17.8%. Regarding HbA1c, the 2014 group of patients had a mean of 9.8%, while the 2020 group had a mean of 9.6% (p = 0.49).

CONCLUSION

The change in treatments between 2014 and 2020 did not result in a significant improvement in HbA1c levels. However, it was identified the importance of carbohydrate counting and the use of insulin analogs to improve metabolic control in this population at both times.

7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Current Practices in Operationalizing and Addressing Racial Equity in the Provision of Type 1 Diabetes Care: Insights from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative Health Equity Advancement Lab

OBJECTIVE

Medical racism contributes to adverse health outcomes. Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) is a large population-based cohort engaged in data sharing and quality improvement to drive system changes in T1D care. The annual T1DX-QI survey included questions to evaluate racial equity in diabetes care and practices to promote equity.

METHODS

The annual T1DX-QI survey was administered to participating clinics in fall 2022 and had a 93% response rate. There were 50 responses (pediatric: 66% and adult: 34%). Questions, in part, evaluated clinical resources and racial equity. Response data were aggregated, summarized, and stratified by pediatric/adult institutions.

RESULTS

Only 21% pediatric and 35% adult institutions felt that all their team members can articulate how medical racism contributes to adverse diabetes outcomes. Pediatric institutions reported more strategies to address medical racism than adult (3.6 vs 3.1). Organizational strategies to decrease racial discrimination included employee trainings, equity offices/committees, patient resources, and hiring practices. Patient resources included interpreter services, transportation, insurance navigation, and housing and food assistance. Hiring practices included changing prior protocols, hiring from the community, and diversifying workforces. Most institutions have offered antiracism training in the last year (pediatric: 85% and adult: 72%) and annually (pediatric: 64% and adult: 56%). Pediatric teams felt that their antiracism training was effective more often (pediatric: 60% and adult: 45%) and more commonly, they were provided resources (pediatric: 67% and adult: 47%) to help address inequities.

CONCLUSION

Despite increased antiracism training, insufficient institutional support and perceived subeffective training still represent obstacles, especially in adult institutions. Sharing effective strategies to address medical racism will help institutions take steps to mitigate inequities.

Roadmap to Continuous Glucose Monitoring Adoption and Improved Outcomes in Endocrinology: The 4T (Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control) Program

Glucose monitoring is essential for the management of type 1 diabetes and has evolved from urine glucose monitoring in the early 1900s to home blood glucose monitoring in the 1980s to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) today. Youth with type 1 diabetes struggle to meet A1C goals; however, CGM is associated with improved A1C in these youth and is recommended as a standard of care by diabetes professional organizations. Despite their utility, expanding uptake of CGM systems has been challenging, especially in minoritized communities. The 4T (Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control) program was developed using a team-based approach to set consistent glycemic targets and equitably initiate CGM and remote patient monitoring in all youth with new-onset type 1 diabetes. In the pilot 4T study, youth in the 4T cohort had a 0.5% improvement in A1C 12 months after diabetes diagnosis compared with those in the historical cohort. The 4T program can serve as a roadmap for other multidisciplinary pediatric type 1 diabetes clinics to increase CGM adoption and improve glycemic outcomes.

A Retrospective Cohort Study of Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities in Initiation and Meaningful Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring among Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use improves type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes, yet children from diverse backgrounds and on public insurance have worse outcomes and lower CGM utilization. Using novel CGM data acquisition and analysis of two T1D cohorts, we test the hypothesis that T1D youth from different backgrounds experience disparities in meaningful CGM use following both T1D diagnosis and CGM uptake.

METHODS

Cohorts drawn from a pediatric T1D program were followed for one year beginning at diagnosis (n = 815, 2016-2020) or CGM uptake (n = 1392, 2015-2020). Using chart and CGM data, CGM start and meaningful use outcomes between racial/ethnic and insurance groups were compared using median days, one-year proportions, and survival analysis.

RESULTS

Publicly compared with privately insured were slower to start CGM (233, 151 days, P < .01), had fewer use-days in the year following uptake (232, 324, P < .001), and had faster first discontinuation rates (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.61, P < .001). Disparities were more pronounced among Hispanic and black compared with white subjects for CGM start time (312, 289, 149, P = .0013) and discontinuation rates (Hispanic HR = 2.17, P < .001; black HR = 1.45, P = .038), and remained even among privately insured (Hispanic/black HR = 1.44, P = .0286).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the impact of insurance and race/ethnicity on CGM initiation and use, it is imperative that we target interventions to support universal access and sustained CGM use to mitigate the potential impact of provider biases and systemic disadvantage and racism. By enabling more equitable and meaningful T1D technology use, such interventions will begin to alleviate outcome disparities between youth with T1D from different backgrounds.

Expanding the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs): Screening youth with type 1 diabetes from underrepresented populations

AIM

Youth from lower socioeconomic status (SES) have suboptimal type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) measure psychosocial states and are associated with T1D outcomes, however are understudied in low SES youth. We aimed to evaluate associations between PROs and public insurance status, a proxy for low SES.

METHODS

We analyzed survey data from 129 youth with T1D (age 15.7 ± 2.3 years, 33 % publicly insured) screened with PROMIS Global Health (PGH, measuring global health) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9, measuring depressive symptoms) during diabetes appointments. Correlation and regression analyses evaluated differences in PGH and PHQ-9 by insurance status.

RESULTS

For youth with public insurance, lower global health correlated with lower self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG; r = 0.38,p = 0.033) and older age (r = -0.45,p = 0.005). In youth with private insurance, lower global health correlated with lower SMBG (r = 0.27,p = 0.018) and female sex (rho = 0.26,p = 0.015). For youth with private insurance, higher depressive symptoms correlated with higher body mass index (r = 0.22,p = 0.03) and fewer SMBG (r = -0.35,p = 0.04). In multivariate regression analyses, public insurance was inversely associated with global health (p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

PGH is a particularly salient PRO in youth with public insurance. Global health may be an important psychosocial factor to assess in youth with T1D from low SES backgrounds.

Disparities in Hemoglobin A1c Levels in the First Year After Diagnosis Among Youths With Type 1 Diabetes Offered Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Importance

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is associated with improvements in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D); however, youths from minoritized racial and ethnic groups and those with public insurance face greater barriers to CGM access. Early initiation of and access to CGM may reduce disparities in CGM uptake and improve diabetes outcomes.

Objective

To determine whether HbA1c decreases differed by ethnicity and insurance status among a cohort of youths newly diagnosed with T1D and provided CGM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control (4T) study, a clinical research program that aims to initiate CGM within 1 month of T1D diagnosis. All youths with new-onset T1D diagnosed between July 25, 2018, and June 15, 2020, at Stanford Children's Hospital, a single-site, freestanding children's hospital in California, were approached to enroll in the Pilot-4T study and were followed for 12 months. Data analysis was performed and completed on June 3, 2022.

Exposures

All eligible participants were offered CGM within 1 month of diabetes diagnosis.

Main Outcomes and Measures

To assess HbA1c change over the study period, analyses were stratified by ethnicity (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic) or insurance status (public vs private) to compare the Pilot-4T cohort with a historical cohort of 272 youths diagnosed with T1D between June 1, 2014, and December 28, 2016.

Results

The Pilot-4T cohort comprised 135 youths, with a median age of 9.7 years (IQR, 6.8-12.7 years) at diagnosis. There were 71 boys (52.6%) and 64 girls (47.4%). Based on self-report, participants' race was categorized as Asian or Pacific Islander (19 [14.1%]), White (62 [45.9%]), or other race (39 [28.9%]); race was missing or not reported for 15 participants (11.1%). Participants also self-reported their ethnicity as Hispanic (29 [21.5%]) or non-Hispanic (92 [68.1%]). A total of 104 participants (77.0%) had private insurance and 31 (23.0%) had public insurance. Compared with the historical cohort, similar reductions in HbA1c at 6, 9, and 12 months postdiagnosis were observed for Hispanic individuals (estimated difference, -0.26% [95% CI, -1.05% to 0.43%], -0.60% [-1.46% to 0.21%], and -0.15% [-1.48% to 0.80%]) and non-Hispanic individuals (estimated difference, -0.27% [95% CI, -0.62% to 0.10%], -0.50% [-0.81% to -0.11%], and -0.47% [-0.91% to 0.06%]) in the Pilot-4T cohort. Similar reductions in HbA1c at 6, 9, and 12 months postdiagnosis were also observed for publicly insured individuals (estimated difference, -0.52% [95% CI, -1.22% to 0.15%], -0.38% [-1.26% to 0.33%], and -0.57% [-2.08% to 0.74%]) and privately insured individuals (estimated difference, -0.34% [95% CI, -0.67% to 0.03%], -0.57% [-0.85% to -0.26%], and -0.43% [-0.85% to 0.01%]) in the Pilot-4T cohort. Hispanic youths in the Pilot-4T cohort had higher HbA1c at 6, 9, and 12 months postdiagnosis than non-Hispanic youths (estimated difference, 0.28% [95% CI, -0.46% to 0.86%], 0.63% [0.02% to 1.20%], and 1.39% [0.37% to 1.96%]), as did publicly insured youths compared with privately insured youths (estimated difference, 0.39% [95% CI, -0.23% to 0.99%], 0.95% [0.28% to 1.45%], and 1.16% [-0.09% to 2.13%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that CGM initiation soon after diagnosis is associated with similar improvements in HbA1c for Hispanic and non-Hispanic youths as well as for publicly and privately insured youths. These results further suggest that equitable access to CGM soon after T1D diagnosis may be a first step to improve HbA1c for all youths but is unlikely to eliminate disparities entirely.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04336969.

Status of continuous glucose monitoring use and management in tertiary hospitals of China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to reveal the use and management status of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in tertiary hospitals in China and to determine the potential factors affecting the application of CGM, based on which more effective solutions would be produced and implemented.

DESIGN

An online, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to December 2021.

SETTING

Eighty-three tertiary hospitals in China were involved.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-three head nurses and 281 clinical nurses were obtained.

OUTCOME

Current condition of CGM use and management, the factors that hinder the use and management of CGM, scores of current CGM use and management, as well as their influencing factors, were collected.

RESULTS

Among the 83 hospitals surveyed, 57 (68.7%) hospitals used CGM for no more than 10 patients per month. Seventy-three (88.0%) hospitals had developed CGM standard operating procedures, but only 29 (34.9%) hospitals devised emergency plans to deal with adverse effects related to CGM. Comparably, maternal and children's hospitals were more likely to have a dedicated person to assign install CGM than general hospitals (52.2% vs 26.7%). As for the potential causes that hinder the use and management of CGM, head nurses' and nurses' perceptions differed. Head nurses perceived patients' limited knowledge about CGM (60.2%), the high costs of CGM and inaccessibility to medical insurance (59.0%), and imperfect CGM management systems (44.6%) as the top three factors. Different from head nurses, CGM operation nurses considered the age of CGM operators, the type of hospital nurses worked in, the number of patients using CGM per month and the number of CGM training sessions as potential factors (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides a broad view of the development status of CGM in China. Generally speaking, the use and management of CGM in China are not yet satisfactory, and more efforts are wanted for improvement.

7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Observed Characteristics Associated with Diabetes Device Use Among Teens with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Despite advancements in diabetes technologies, disparities remain with respect to diabetes device use in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We compared sociodemographic, diabetes, and psychosocial characteristics associated with device (pump and continuous glucose monitor [CGM]) use in 13- to 17-year-old teens with T1D.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Data were derived from a multicenter clinical trial to optimize self-care and glycemic control in teens with T1D. We categorized teens as pump users versus non-users and CGM users versus non-users based on their diabetes device usage. Chi-square and t-tests compared characteristics according to device use.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 301 teens (50% female) with baseline mean ± SD age 15.0 ± 1.3 years, T1D duration 6.5 ± 3.7 years, and HbA1c 8.5 ± 1.1% (69 ± 12 mmol/mol). Two-thirds (65%) were pump users, and 27% were CGM users. Pump users and CGM users (vs. non-users) were more likely to have a family annual household income ≥$150,000, private health insurance, and a parent with a college education (all P < .001). Pump users and CGM users (vs. non-users) also performed more frequent daily blood glucose (BG) checks (both P < .001) and reported more diabetes self-care behaviors (both P < .05). Pump users were less likely to have baseline HbA1c ≥9% (75 mmol/mol) (P = .005) and to report fewer depressive symptoms (P = .02) than pump non-users. Parents of both CGM and pump users reported a higher quality of life in their youth (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

There were many sociodemographic, diabetes-specific, and psychosocial factors associated with device use. Modifiable factors can serve as the target for clinical interventions; youth with non-modifiable factors can receive extra support to overcome potential barriers to device use.

Increase Access, Reduce Disparities: Recommendations for Modifying Medicaid CGM Coverage Eligibility Criteria

Numerous studies have demonstrated the clinical value of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) populations. However, the eligibility criteria for CGM coverage required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ignore the conclusive evidence that supports CGM use in various diabetes populations that are currently deemed ineligible. In an earlier article, we discussed the limitations and inconsistencies of the agency's CGM eligibility criteria relative to current scientific evidence and proposed practice solutions to address this issue and improve the safety and care of Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. Although Medicaid is administered through CMS, there is no consistent Medicaid policy for CGM coverage in the United States. This article presents a rationale for modifying and standardizing Medicaid CGM coverage eligibility across the United States.

Tele-education model for primary care providers to advance diabetes equity: Findings from Project ECHO Diabetes

Introduction

In the US, many individuals with diabetes do not have consistent access to endocrinologists and therefore rely on primary care providers (PCPs) for their diabetes management. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Diabetes, a tele-education model, was developed to empower PCPs to independently manage diabetes, including education on diabetes technology initiation and use, to bridge disparities in diabetes.

Methods

PCPs (n=116) who participated in Project ECHO Diabetes and completed pre- and post-intervention surveys were included in this analysis. The survey was administered in California and Florida to participating PCPs via REDCap and paper surveys. This survey aimed to evaluate practice demographics, protocols with adult and pediatric T1D management, challenges, resources, and provider knowledge and confidence in diabetes management. Differences and statistical significance in pre- and post-intervention responses were evaluated via McNemar's tests.

Results

PCPs reported improvement in all domains of diabetes education and management. From baseline, PCPs reported improvement in their confidence to serve as the T1D provider for their community (pre vs post: 43.8% vs 68.8%, p=0.005), manage insulin therapy (pre vs post: 62.8% vs 84.3%, p=0.002), and identify symptoms of diabetes distress (pre vs post: 62.8% vs 84.3%, p=0.002) post-intervention. Compared to pre-intervention, providers reported significant improvement in their confidence in all aspects of diabetes technology including prescribing technology (41.2% vs 68.6%, p=0.001), managing insulin pumps (41.2% vs 68.6%, p=0.001) and hybrid closed loop (10.2% vs 26.5%, p=0.033), and interpreting sensor data (41.2% vs 68.6%, p=0.001) post-intervention.

Discussion

PCPs who participated in Project ECHO Diabetes reported increased confidence in diabetes management, with notable improvement in their ability to prescribe, manage, and troubleshoot diabetes technology. These data support the use of tele-education of PCPs to increase confidence in diabetes technology management as a feasible strategy to advance equity in diabetes management and outcomes.

A model to design financially sustainable algorithm-enabled remote patient monitoring for pediatric type 1 diabetes care

Introduction

Population-level algorithm-enabled remote patient monitoring (RPM) based on continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data review has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in diabetes patients, especially children. However, existing reimbursement models are geared towards the direct provision of clinic care, not population health management. We developed a financial model to assist pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) clinics design financially sustainable RPM programs based on algorithm-enabled review of CGM data.

Methods

Data were gathered from a weekly RPM program for 302 pediatric patients with T1D at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. We created a customizable financial model to calculate the yearly marginal costs and revenues of providing diabetes education. We consider a baseline or status quo scenario and compare it to two different care delivery scenarios, in which routine appointments are supplemented with algorithm-enabled, flexible, message-based contacts delivered according to patient need. We use the model to estimate the minimum reimbursement rate needed for telemedicine contacts to maintain revenue-neutrality and not suffer an adverse impact to the bottom line.

Results

The financial model estimates that in both scenarios, an average reimbursement rate of roughly $10.00 USD per telehealth interaction would be sufficient to maintain revenue-neutrality. Algorithm-enabled RPM could potentially be billed for using existing RPM CPT codes and lead to margin expansion.

Conclusion

We designed a model which evaluates the financial impact of adopting algorithm-enabled RPM in a pediatric endocrinology clinic serving T1D patients. This model establishes a clear threshold reimbursement value for maintaining revenue-neutrality, as well as an estimate of potential RPM reimbursement revenue which could be billed for. It may serve as a useful financial-planning tool for a pediatric T1D clinic seeking to leverage algorithm-enabled RPM to provide flexible, more timely interventions to its patients.

Implicit Racial-Ethnic and Insurance-Mediated Bias to Recommending Diabetes Technology: Insights from T1D Exchange Multicenter Pediatric and Adult Diabetes Provider Cohort

Background: Despite documented benefits of diabetes technology in managing type 1 diabetes, inequities persist in the use of these devices. Provider bias may be a driver of inequities, but the evidence is limited. Therefore, we aimed to examine the role of race/ethnicity and insurance-mediated provider implicit bias in recommending diabetes technology. Method: We recruited 109 adult and pediatric diabetes providers across 7 U.S. endocrinology centers to complete an implicit bias assessment composed of a clinical vignette and ranking exercise. Providers were randomized to receive clinical vignettes with differing insurance and patient names as proxy for Racial-Ethnic identity. Bias was identified if providers: (1) recommended more technology for patients with an English name (Racial-Ethnic bias) or private insurance (insurance bias), or (2) Race/Ethnicity or insurance was ranked high (Racial-Ethnic and insurance bias, respectively) in recommending diabetes technology. Provider characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Result: Insurance-mediated implicit bias was common in our cohort (n = 66, 61%). Providers who were identified to have insurance-mediated bias had greater years in practice (5.3 ± 5.3 years vs. 9.3 ± 9 years, P = 0.006). Racial-Ethnic-mediated implicit bias was also observed in our study (n = 37, 34%). Compared with those without Racial-Ethnic bias, providers with Racial-Ethnic bias were more likely to state that they could recognize their own implicit bias (89% vs. 61%, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Provider implicit bias to recommend diabetes technology was observed based on insurance and Race/Ethnicity in our pediatric and adult diabetes provider cohort. These data raise the need to address provider implicit bias in diabetes care.

A Modified CGM Algorithm Enhances Data Availability While Retaining iCGM Performance

The algorithm for the Dexcom G6 CGM System was enhanced to retain accuracy while reducing the frequency and duration of sensor error. The new algorithm was evaluated by post-processing raw signals collected from G6 pivotal trials (NCT02880267) and by assessing the difference in data availability after a limited, real-world launch. Accuracy was comparable with the new algorithm-the overall %20/20 was 91.7% before and 91.8% after the algorithm modification; MARD was unchanged. The mean data gap due to sensor error nearly halved and total time spent in sensor error decreased by 59%. A limited field launch showed similar results, with a 43% decrease in total time spent in sensor error. Increased data availability may improve patient experience and CGM data integration into insulin delivery systems.

Advancements and future directions in the teamwork, targets, technology, and tight control-the 4T study: improving clinical outcomes in newly diagnosed pediatric type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The benefits of intensive diabetes management have been established by the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. However, challenges with optimizing glycemic management in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) remain across pediatric clinics in the United States. This article will review our Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control (4T) study that implements emerging diabetes technology into clinical practice with a team approach to sustain tight glycemic control from the onset of T1D and beyond to optimize clinical outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

During the 4T Pilot study and study 1, our team-based approach to intensive target setting, education, and remote data review has led to significant improvements in hemoglobin A1c throughout the first year of T1D diagnosis in youth, as well as family and provider satisfaction.

SUMMARY

The next steps include refinement of the current 4T study 1, developing a business case, and broader implementation of the 4T study. In study 2, we are including a more pragmatic cadence of remote data review and disseminating exercise education and activity tracking to both English- and Spanish-speaking families. The overall goal is to create and implement a translatable program that can facilitate better outcomes for pediatric clinics across the USA.

Monitoring of paediatric type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article reviews recent developments in methods used to monitor paediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D), including an examination of the role of glycated haemoglobin (haemoglobin A1c) and its limitations for long-term assessment of glycaemia in individual patients, self-monitoring of blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems and ketone monitoring.

RECENT FINDINGS

Monitoring of glycemia and ketones, when indicated, is a cornerstone of paediatric T1D management and is essential to optimize glycaemic control. Ongoing technological advancements have led to rapid changes and considerable improvement in the methods used to monitor glucose concentrations in people with T1D. As a result of recent innovations that have enhanced accuracy and usability, CGM is now considered the optimal method for monitoring glucose concentrations and should be introduced soon after diagnosis of T1D.

SUMMARY

Patients/families and healthcare providers must receive comprehensive education and proper training in the use of CGM and interpretation of the vast amounts of data. Future challenges include ensuring equal access to and optimizing clinical use of CGM to further improve T1D care and outcomes.

Diabetes Technology Experiences Among Latinx and Non-Latinx Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes technologies, such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM), have been associated with improved glycemic control and increased quality of life for young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D); however, few young people use these devices, especially those from minority ethnic groups. Current literature predominantly focuses on white patients with private insurance and does not report experiences of diverse pediatric patients with limited resources.

METHODS

To explore potential differences between Latinx and non-Latinx patients, English- and Spanish-speaking young people with T1D (n = 173, ages 11-25 years) were surveyed to assess attitudes about and barriers to diabetes technologies using the Technology Use Attitudes and Barriers to Device Use questionnaires.

RESULTS

Both English- and Spanish-speaking participants who identified as Latinx were more likely to have public insurance (P = .0001). English-speaking Latinx participants reported higher Hemoglobin A1c values (P = .003), less CGM use (P = .002), and more negative attitudes about technology (generally, P = .003; and diabetes-specific, P < .001) than either non-Latinx or Spanish-speaking Latinx participants. Barriers were encountered with equivalent frequency across groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Latinx English-speaking participants had less positive attitudes toward general and diabetes technology than Latinx Spanish-speaking and non-Latinx English-speaking peers, and differences in CGM use were associated with socioeconomic status. Additional work is needed to design and deliver diabetes interventions that are of interest to and supportive of patients from diverse ethnic and language backgrounds.

Solutions to Address Inequity in Diabetes Technology Use in Type 1 Diabetes: Results from Multidisciplinary Stakeholder Co-creation Workshops

Background: Racial-ethnic inequity in type 1 diabetes technology use is well documented and contributes to disparities in glycemic and long-term outcomes. However, solutions to address technology inequity remain sparse and lack stakeholder input. Methods: We employed user-centered design principles to conduct workshop sessions with multidisciplinary panels of stakeholders, building off of our prior study highlighting patient-identified barriers and proposed solutions. Stakeholders were convened to review our prior findings and co-create interventions to increase technology use among underserved populations with type 1 diabetes. Stakeholders included type 1 diabetes patients who had recently onboarded to technology; endocrinology and primary care physicians; nurses; diabetes educators; psychologists; and community health workers. Sessions were recorded and analyzed iteratively by multiple coders for common themes. Results: We convened 7 virtual 2-h workshops for 32 stakeholders from 11 states in the United States. Patients and providers confirmed prior published studies highlighting patient barriers and generated new ideas by co-creating solutions. Common themes of proposed interventions included (1) prioritizing more equitable systems of offering technology, (2) using visual and hands-on approaches to increase accessibility of technology and education, (3) including peer and family support systems more, and (4) assisting with insurance navigation and social needs. Discussion: Our study furthers the field by providing stakeholder-endorsed intervention ideas that propose feasible changes at the patient, provider, and system levels to reduce inequity in diabetes technology use in type 1 diabetes. Multidisciplinary stakeholder engagement in disparities research offers unique insight that is impactful and acceptable to the target population.

A New Technology-Enabled Care Model for Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes

In July 2018, pediatric type 1 diabetes (T1D) care at Stanford suffered many of the problems that plague U.S. health care. Patient outcomes lagged behind those of peer European nations, care was delivered primarily on a fixed cadence rather than as needed, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) were largely unavailable for individuals with public insurance, and providers' primary access to CGM data was through long printouts. Stanford developed a new technology-enabled, telemedicine-based care model for patients with newly diagnosed T1D. They developed and deployed Timely Interventions for Diabetes Excellence (TIDE) to facilitate as-needed patient contact with the partially automated analysis of CGM data and used philanthropic funding to facilitate full access to CGM technology for publicly insured patients, for whom CGM is not readily available in California. A study of the use of CGM for patients with new-onset T1D (pilot Teamwork, Targets, and Technology for Tight Control [4T] study), which incorporated the use of TIDE, was associated with a 0.5%-point reduction in hemoglobin A1c compared with historical controls and an 86% reduction in screen time for providers reviewing patient data. Based on this initial success, Stanford expanded the use of TIDE to a total of 300 patients, including many outside the pilot 4T study, and made TIDE freely available as open-source software. Next steps include expanding the use of TIDE to support the care of approximately 1,000 patients, improving TIDE and the associated workflows to scale their use to more patients, incorporating data from additional sensors, and partnering with other institutions to facilitate their deployment of this care model.

Teamwork, Targets, Technology, and Tight Control in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes: the Pilot 4T Study

CONTEXT

Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not meet glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) targets.

OBJECTIVE

This work aimed to assess HbA1c outcomes in children with new-onset T1D enrolled in the Teamwork, Targets, Technology and Tight Control (4T) Study.

METHODS

HbA1c levels were compared between the 4T and historical cohorts. HbA1c differences between cohorts were estimated using locally estimated scatter plot smoothing (LOESS). The change from nadir HbA1c (month 4) to 12 months post diagnosis was estimated by cohort using a piecewise mixed-effects regression model accounting for age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity, and insurance type. We recruited 135 youth with newly diagnosed T1D at Stanford Children's Health. Starting July 2018, all youth within the first month of T1D diagnosis were offered continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) initiation and remote CGM data review was added in March 2019. The main outcomes measure was HbA1c.

RESULTS

HbA1c at 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis was lower in the 4T cohort than in the historic cohort (-0.54% to -0.52%, and -0.58%, respectively). Within the 4T cohort, HbA1c at 6, 9, and 12 months post diagnosis was lower in those patients with remote monitoring than those without (-0.14%, -0.18% to -0.14%, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis showed that the 4T cohort experienced a significantly lower increase in HbA1c between months 4 and 12 (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

A technology-enabled, team-based approach to intensified new-onset education involving target setting, CGM initiation, and remote data review statistically significantly decreased HbA1c in youth with T1D 12 months post diagnosis.

Overcoming Barriers to Diabetes Technology in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes and Public Insurance: Cases and Call to Action

Advancements in diabetes technology such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery provide opportunities to improve glycemic control for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, diabetes technology use is lower in youth on public insurance, and this technology use gap is widening in the US. There is a significant need to develop effective interventions and policies to promote equitable care. The dual purpose of this case series is as follows: (1) describe success stories of the CGM Time in Range Program (CGM TIPs), which removed barriers for initiating CGM and provided asynchronous remote glucose monitoring for youth on public insurance, and (2) advocate for improving CGM coverage by public insurance. We describe a series of six youths with T1D and public insurance who obtained and sustained use of CGM with assistance from the program. Three youths had improved engagement with the care team while on CGM and the remote monitoring protocol, and three youths were able to leverage sustained CGM wear to obtain insurance coverage for automated insulin delivery systems. CGM TIPs helped these youths achieve lower hemoglobin A1c and improved time in range (TIR). Despite the successes, expansion of CGM TIPs is limited by stringent barriers for CGM approval and difficult postapproval patient workflows to receive shipments. These cases highlight the potential for combining diabetes technology and asynchronous remote monitoring to support continued use and provide education to improve glycemic control for youth with T1D on public insurance and the need to reduce barriers for obtaining CGM coverage by public insurance.

A practical approach to continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) and FreeStyle Libre systems (isCGM) in children and young people with Type 1 diabetes

Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) and FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring systems (isCGM) are new evolving technologies used in the management of Type 1 diabetes. They offer potential to improve diabetes control and reduce hypoglycaemia. rtCGM can be linked to insulin pump providing hybrid closed loop therapy. Families of children and young people are keen to have the benefit from these technologies. These are relatively expensive so it is important that health care professionals, families of children and young people (CYP) with diabetes are adequately trained in the use of these devices. Health care professionals need to be able to make patient selection based on individual needs and preferences to achieve maximum benefit. Association of Children's Diabetes Clinicians (ACDC) developed a comprehensive guideline in 2017 to help identify which patients may be most likely to benefit and how these technologies may be practically implemented. Since then new technologies have been introduced and the use of GCM has expanded in routine clinical practice. This article, aims to provide a practical approach and help identify which patients may be most likely to benefit and how the technology may be implemented in order to maximise the clinical benefits.

7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

ONBOARD: A Feasibility Study of a Telehealth-Based Continuous Glucose Monitoring Adoption Intervention for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can improve glycemic control for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) but certain barriers interfere with consistent use including cost, data overload, alarm fatigue, physical discomfort, and unwanted social attention. This pilot study aimed to examine feasibility and acceptability of a behavioral intervention, ONBOARD (Overcoming Barriers and Obstacles to Adopting Diabetes Devices) to support adults with T1D in optimizing CGM use. Methods: Adults (18-50 years) with T1D in their first year of CGM use were invited to participate in a tailored, multicomponent telehealth-based intervention delivered over four 60-min sessions every 2-3 weeks. Participants completed surveys (demographics; diabetes distress, Diabetes Distress Scale for adults with type 1 diabetes; satisfaction with program) and provided CGM data at baseline and postintervention (3 months). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Twenty-two participants (age = 30.95 ± 8.32 years; 59% women; 91% non-Hispanic; 86% White, 5% Black, 9% other; 73% pump users) completed the study. ONBOARD demonstrated acceptability and a high rate of retention. Moderate effect sizes were found for reductions in diabetes distress (P = 0.01, r = -0.37) and increases in daytime spent in target range (70-180 mg/dL: P = 0.03, r = -0.35). There were no significant increases in hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Findings show preliminary evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of ONBOARD for supporting adults with T1D in optimizing CGM use while alleviating diabetes distress. Further research is needed to examine ONBOARD in a larger sample over a longer period.

Clinically Serious Hypoglycemia Is Rare and Not Associated With Time-in-range in Youth With New-onset Type 1 Diabetes

CONTEXT

Early initiation of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is advocated for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Data to guide CGM use on time-in-range (TIR), hypoglycemia, and the role of partial clinical remission (PCR) are limited.

OBJECTIVE

Our aims were to assess whether 1) an association between increased TIR and hypoglycemia exists, and 2) how time in hypoglycemia varies by PCR status.

METHODS

We analyzed 80 youth who were started on CGM shortly after T1D diagnosis and were followed for up to 1-year post diagnosis. TIR and hypoglycemia rates were determined by CGM data and retrospectively analyzed. PCR was defined as (visit glycated hemoglobin A1c) + (4*units/kg/day) less than 9.

RESULTS

Youth were started on CGM 8.0 (interquartile range, 6.0-13.0) days post diagnosis. Time spent at less than 70 mg/dL remained low despite changes in TIR (highest TIR 74.6 ± 16.7%, 2.4 ± 2.4% hypoglycemia at 1 month post diagnosis; lowest TIR 61.3 ± 20.3%, 2.1 ± 2.7% hypoglycemia at 12 months post diagnosis). No events of severe hypoglycemia occurred. Hypoglycemia was rare and there was minimal difference for PCR vs non-PCR youth (54-70 mg/dL: 1.8% vs 1.2%, P = .04; < 54mg/dL: 0.3% vs 0.3%, P = .55). Approximately 50% of the time spent in hypoglycemia was in the 65 to 70 mg/dL range.

CONCLUSION

As TIR gradually decreased over 12 months post diagnosis, hypoglycemia was limited with no episodes of severe hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia rates did not vary in a clinically meaningful manner by PCR status. With CGM being started earlier, consideration needs to be given to modifying CGM hypoglycemia education, including alarm settings. These data support a trial in the year post diagnosis to determine alarm thresholds for youth who wear CGM.

Help when you need it: Perspectives of adults with T1D on the support and training they would have wanted when starting CGM

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to explore preferences that adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have for training and support to initiate and sustain optimal use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology.

METHODS

Twenty-two adults with T1D (M age 30.95 ± 8.32; 59.1% female; 90.9% Non-Hispanic; 86.4% White; diabetes duration 13.5 ± 8.42 years; 72.7% insulin pump users) who had initiated CGM use in the past year participated in focus groups exploring two overarching questions: (1) What helped you learn to use your CGM? and (2) What additional support would you have wanted? Focus groups used a semi-structured interview guide and were recorded, transcribed and analyzed.

RESULTS

Overarching themes identified were: (1) "I got it going by myself": CGM training left to the individual; (2) Internet as diabetes educator, troubleshooter, and peer support system; and (3) domains of support they wanted, including content and format of this support.

CONCLUSION

This study identifies current gaps in training and potential avenues for enhancing device education and CGM onboarding support for adults with T1D. Providing CGM users with relevant, timely resources and attending to the emotional side of using CGM could alleviate the burden of starting a new device and promote sustained device use.

Cost considerations for adoption of diabetes technology are pervasive: A qualitative study of persons living with type 1 diabetes and their families

BACKGROUND

Cost is a major consideration in the uptake and continued use of diabetes technology. With increasing use of automated insulin delivery systems, it is important to understand the specific cost-related barriers to technology adoption. In this qualitative analysis, we were interested in understanding and examining the decision-making process around cost and diabetes technology use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four raters coded transcripts of four stakeholder groups using inductive coding for each stakeholder group to establish relevant themes/nodes. We applied the Social Ecological Model in the interpretation of five thematic levels of cost.

RESULTS

We identified five thematic levels of cost: policy, organizational, insurance, interpersonal and individual. Equitable diabetes technology access was an important policy-level theme. The insurance-level theme had multiple subthemes which predominantly carried a negative valence. Participants also emphasized the psychosocial burden of cost specifically identifying diabetes costs to their families, the guilt of diabetes related costs, and frustration in the time and involvement required to ensure insurance coverage.

CONCLUSION

We found broad consensus in how cost is experienced by stakeholder groups. Cost considerations for diabetes technology uptake extended beyond finances to include time, cost to society, morality and interpersonal relationships. Cost also reflected an important moral principle tied to the shared desire for equitable access to diabetes technology. Knowledge of these considerations can help clinicians and researchers promote equitable device uptake while anticipating barriers for all persons living with type 1 diabetes and their families.

Health Care Disparities in Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Numerous studies have demonstrated that use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves glycemic control and reduces diabetes-related hospitalizations and emergency room service utilization in individuals with diabetes who are treated with intensive insulin regimens. Recent studies have revealed disparities in use of CGM within racially and ethnically diverse and lower socioeconomic populations, leading to underutilization of CGM in these populations. This article reviews the scope and impact of these disparities on utilization of CGM and explores the factors that may be contributing to this issue.

Provider Implicit Bias Impacts Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Technology Recommendations in the United States: Findings from The Gatekeeper Study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes technology use is associated with favorable type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes. American youth with public insurance, a proxy for low socioeconomic status, use less diabetes technology than those with private insurance. We aimed to evaluate the role of insurance-mediated provider implicit bias, defined as the systematic discrimination of youth with public insurance, on diabetes technology recommendations for youth with T1D in the United States.

METHODS

Multi-disciplinary pediatric diabetes providers completed a bias assessment comprised of a clinical vignette and ranking exercises (n = 39). Provider bias was defined as providers: (1) recommending more technology for those on private insurance versus public insurance or (2) ranking insurance in the top 2 of 7 reasons to offer technology. Bias and provider characteristics were analyzed with descriptive statistics, group comparisons, and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The majority of providers [44.1 ± 10.0 years old, 83% female, 79% non-Hispanic white, 49% physician, 12.2 ± 10.0 practice-years] demonstrated bias (n = 33/39, 84.6%). Compared to the group without bias, the group with bias had practiced longer (13.4±10.4 years vs 5.7 ± 3.6 years, P = .003) but otherwise had similar characteristics including age (44.4 ± 10.2 vs 42.6 ± 10.1, p = 0.701). In the logistic regression, practice-years remained significant (OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.02,2.13]; P = .007) when age, sex, race/ethnicity, provider role, percent public insurance served, and workplace location were included.

CONCLUSIONS

Provider bias to recommend technology based on insurance was common in our cohort and increased with years in practice. There are likely many reasons for this finding, including healthcare system drivers, yet as gatekeepers to diabetes technology, providers may be contributing to inequities in pediatric T1D in the United States.

'I was ready for it at the beginning': Parent experiences with early introduction of continuous glucose monitoring following their child's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis

AIM

This study aimed to capture the experience of parents of youth with recent onset Type 1 diabetes who initiated use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology soon after diagnosis, which is a new practice.

METHODS

Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with parents of youth with Type 1 diabetes who had early initiation of CGM as part of a new clinical protocol. Interviewers used a semi-structured interview guide to elicit feedback and experiences with starting CGM within 30 days of diagnosis, and the benefits and barriers they experienced when adjusting to this technology. Groups and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Participants were 16 parents (age 44.13 ± 8.43 years; 75% female; 56.25% non-Hispanic White) of youth (age 12.38 ± 4.15 years; 50% female; 50% non-Hispanic White; diabetes duration 10.35 ± 3.89 months) who initiated CGM 11.31 ± 7.33 days after diabetes diagnosis. Overall, parents reported high levels of satisfaction with starting CGM within a month of diagnosis and described a high level of reliance on the technology to help manage their child's diabetes. All participants recommended early CGM initiation for future families and were committed to continue using the technology for the foreseeable future, provided that insurance covered it.

CONCLUSION

Parents experienced CGM initiation shortly after their child's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis as a highly beneficial and essential part of adjusting to living with diabetes.

Multi-Clinic Quality Improvement Initiative Increases Continuous Glucose Monitoring Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) use is associated with improved A1C outcomes and quality of life in adolescents and young adults with diabetes; however, CGM uptake is low. This article reports on a quality improvement (QI) initiative of the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative to increase CGM use among patients in this age-group. Ten centers participated in developing a key driver diagram and center-specific interventions that resulted in an increase in CGM use from 34 to 55% in adolescents and young adults over 19-22 months. Sites that performed QI tests of change and documented their interventions had the highest increases in CGM uptake, demonstrating that QI methodology and sharing of learnings can increase CGM uptake.

Technological Ecological Momentary Assessment Tools to Study Type 1 Diabetes in Youth: Viewpoint of Methodologies

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. The management of glucose in T1D is challenging, as youth must consider a myriad of factors when making diabetes care decisions. This task often leads to significant hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and glucose variability throughout the day, which have been associated with short- and long-term medical complications. At present, most of what is known about each of these complications and the health behaviors that may lead to them have been uncovered in the clinical setting or in laboratory-based research. However, the tools often used in these settings are limited in their ability to capture the dynamic behaviors, feelings, and physiological changes associated with T1D that fluctuate from moment to moment throughout the day. A better understanding of T1D in daily life could potentially aid in the development of interventions to improve diabetes care and mitigate the negative medical consequences associated with it. Therefore, there is a need to measure repeated, real-time, and real-world features of this disease in youth. This approach is known as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and it has considerable advantages to in-lab research. Thus, this viewpoint aims to describe EMA tools that have been used to collect data in the daily lives of youth with T1D and discuss studies that explored the nuances of T1D in daily life using these methods. This viewpoint focuses on the following EMA methods: continuous glucose monitoring, actigraphy, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, personal digital assistants, smartphones, and phone-based systems. The viewpoint also discusses the benefits of using EMA methods to collect important data that might not otherwise be collected in the laboratory and the limitations of each tool, future directions of the field, and possible clinical implications for their use.

Advances, Challenges, and Cost Associated with Continuous Glucose Monitor Use in Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Continuous glucose monitors (CGM) are transforming diabetes management, yet adolescents and young adults (AYA) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not experience the same benefits seen with CGM use in adults. The purpose of this review is to explore advances, challenges, and the financial impact of CGM use in AYA with T1D.

RECENT FINDINGS

CGM studies in young adults highlight challenges and suggest unique barriers to CGM use in this population. Recent studies also demonstrate differences in CGM use related to race and ethnicity, raising questions about potential bias and emphasizing the importance of patient-provider communication. Cost of these devices remains a significant barrier, especially in countries without nationalized reimbursement of CGM. More research is needed to understand and address the differences in CGM utilization and to increase the accessibility of CGM therapy given the significant potential benefits of CGM in this high-risk group.

7. Diabetes Technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2021

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.