Glucometer for kids: what do we need?

Narrative review of the role of technology in pediatric diabetes: from testing blood glucose to subcutaneous automated therapy and hope for cure

Background and Objective

Type 1 diabetes, the most common cause of diabetes in pediatrics, is defined by the hyperglycemia that results from the permanent autoimmune damage to the pancreas. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) demonstrated that strict glycemic control targeting lower HbA1c goals can both delay the onset and progression of its complications that include diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, and increased cardiovascular events. Our primary objective is to review the literature available regarding the technology applied for the treatment of diabetes, not only aiding patients' quality of life but addressing its effects on hypoglycemia and reduced risk of the long-term complications. It will synthesize the evolution of glucose monitoring devices; the development of insulin: from animal to recombinant engineering, smart insulin in the future; the development of algorithm-driven insulin delivery devices, the closed loop system/artificial pancreas; and the future utilization of technology to support islet cell transplant with the goal of a long-term cure. Emphasis will be made on what is known about the impact on its outcomes in children and adolescents.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed for publications from 1985 to present. Keywords used: type 1 diabetes, children, adolescents, pediatrics, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), insulin pumps. Referenced articles include other reviews, current care guidelines as supported by cross sectional studies, cohort studies and randomized clinical trials.

Key Content and Findings

Understanding the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes has led to the design of technology that facilitates glucose monitoring and insulin administration in a personalized manner. The current technology has improved outcomes and quality of life by decreasing hypoglycemic events and decreasing risk of long-term metabolic complications. Barriers remain, for children and adults, often driven by patient's preference as well as their understanding of the limitations of what they are wearing.

Conclusions

With the progressive evolution of this technology, it is now realistic to lower the burden of diabetes self-management while reducing hypoglycemia and risk of complications that otherwise impact daily life from academics, physical activity, career choices and even life expectancy.

Impact of Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose Log Reliability on Long-term Glycemic Outcomes in Children with Type 1 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Logbooks of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) are useful in the modulation of insulin regimens, which aid in achieving glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, discrepancies in SMBG charting may impede its utility. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of log entries and its impact on long-term glycemic control.

METHODS

SMBG in logbooks was compared with readings in glucometer memory and discrepancies between the two were evaluated in 101 children with T1DM. The relationship between these discrepancies and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) over 44 months was assessed.

RESULTS

Errors in glucose charting were observed in 32.67% children. The most common observed error was omission (42.42%), followed by fabrication (27.27%), erroneous (18.18%), and others (12.12%). Age was not significantly different among children having accurate versus inaccurate SMBG logs. During follow-up of 44 months, children with accurate SMBG logs consistently had lower HbA1c as compared to children having inaccurate logs, which was statistically significant at 4, 16, 20, and 28 months' follow-up. The same was reflected in the proportion of children achieving HbA1c <7% and 7%-9%. Of the 14 children who had omissions, 9 had omission of high values only, 3 patients had omission of low values only, 1 had omission of both high and low values, and 1 had omission of normal values. Among logs with fabrication, parents were responsible in 2 of 9 incidents. In the remaining 7, it was the child himself/herself. Children with fabrication consistently had the highest HbA1c values among the different types of inaccurate blood glucose chartings, which was statistically significant at 32 and 36 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Reliability of SMBG logs is a significant problem among children with T1DM at our center. Children with accurate logs of SMBG readings were more likely to have better glycemic control on long-term follow-up.