What End Users and Stakeholders Want From Automated Insulin Delivery Systems

Experiences and opinions of adults with type 1 diabetes on the android-based open-source closed-loop system in China: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

As an emerging technology, Android-based open-source closed-loop system also called Android Artificial Pancreas System (AAPS), has been increasingly validated by evidence for its effectiveness in improving glycaemic outcomes, positioning it as a crucial option for managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, there are still only a few studies examining the experiences of using AAPS, and relevant qualitative studies have not been conducted in Asia so far. This study aimed to explore the experiences and opinions of adult patients with T1D on the AAPS.

DESIGN

Semi-structured interviews and the Insulin Dosing Systems: Perceptions, Ideas, Reflections and Expectations questionnaires were conducted among patients. The questionnaire was scored on a 100-point scale. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the transcribed text. Recruitment of interviewees would be halted when no new themes emerged. The scores of the questionnaire on AAPS satisfaction were calculated, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the results of different sections of the questionnaire.

SETTING

Guangdong Province in China.

PARTICIPANTS

This study recruited patients with T1D from the Guangdong T1D translational medicine study and the 'Tang Tang Quan' T1D online community in China, who participated in a clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of AAPS.

RESULTS

The study interviewed 20 adults with T1D aged 32±9.94 years. The T1D duration was 10.93±6.26 years and the glycated haemoglobin was 7.38±0.53%. Five main themes were identified: (1) expectations and feedback on AAPS; (2) impact on quality of life; (3) impact on blood glucose management; (4) user experiences; (5) suggestions for AAPS. The average score of AAPS satisfaction was 73.69 (65.94, 85.94). Mann-Whitney U test suggested that the satisfaction derived from glucose management with AAPS surpassed the satisfaction attributed to the enhancement of their overall quality of life (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with T1D had generally positive experiences with AAPS. The future focus of AAPS research and development should be on optimising glycaemic management, improving device experience and reducing costs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05726461; Pre-results.

Factors influencing the acceptability of automated insulin delivery systems in youths with type 1 diabetes and their parents

AIMS

New technology has been reported as a factor driving people to choose an automatic insulin delivery system (AIDs) and to sustain its acceptance. We aimed to explore the role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology (instant scanning vs. real-time) and insulin treatment modality to determine the future acceptance of AIDs among T1D individuals.

METHODS

239 consecutively enrolled T1D youth and their parents returned the AP questionnaire. All individuals were on CGM, using multiple daily injections (MDI) or sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy.

RESULTS

The AP-acceptance was more than neutral, with mean overall scores of 3.91 ± 0.47 and 3.99 ± 0.43 (p = 0.07), youths and parents, respectively. Domains' analysis revealed high scores in intention to use, usefulness, and trust in AIDs, with favorable expected judgments by others. The items with the highest overall mean scores revealed high glucose control and QoL benefits; the main hassle was the size and discomfort of wearing two devices. Multivariate analysis found that male gender and SAP therapy were associated with a higher AP-acceptance overall score (p = 0.045, 0.015, 0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Participants receiving SAP therapy demonstrated higher expectations and optimistic views about AIDs. This treatment modality can act as a trampoline to AIDs despite individuals' glucose control and diabetes history.

Navigating the Unique Challenges of Automated Insulin Delivery Systems to Facilitate Effective Uptake, Onboarding, and Continued Use

Advances in diabetes technologies have enabled automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, which have demonstrated benefits to glycemia, psychosocial outcomes, and quality of life for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Despite the many demonstrated benefits, AID systems come with their own unique challenges: continued user attention and effort, barriers to equitable access, personal costs vs benefits, and integration of the system into daily life. The purpose of this narrative review is to identify challenges and opportunities for supporting uptake and onboarding of AID systems to ultimately support sustained AID use. Setting realistic expectations, providing comprehensive training, developing willingness to adopt new treatments and workflows, upskilling of diabetes team members, and increasing flexibility of care to tailor care to individual needs, preferences, lifestyle, and personal goals will be most effective in facilitating effective, widespread, person-centered implementation of AID systems.

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024: Diabetes Technologies - Insulin Delivery

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

Clinical Translation and Implementation of a Bioartificial Pancreas Therapy: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Perspectives of People With Type 1 Diabetes

Background

The development of a hybrid beta-cell replacement approach, referred to as a personalized, transplantable bioartificial pancreas (BAP), holds promise to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). This interview study aimed to explore patients' expectations, needs, concerns, and considerations when considering to undergo a BAP transplantation.

Research Design and Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 participants diagnosed with T1D. Data collection stopped once data saturation was reached. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim. The interviews were independently analyzed by 2 researchers. A qualitative content analysis using an inductive approach was used.

Results

Three main themes emerged as follow: (1) hoped-for benefits, (2) concerns and decision-making considerations, and (3) procedural aspects. First, the participants expected benefits across medical, psychological, and social domains. Over these 3 domains, 9 subthemes were identified, including improved clinical outcomes, a cure for diabetes, more headspace, emotional relief, a shift in responsibility, protection of privacy, improved flexibility in daily life, less visible diseases, and improved relationships with others. Second, concerns and considerations about undergoing a BAP transplant comprised adverse events, the functionality of the BAP, the surgery procedure, the biological materials used, the transplant location, and the intrusiveness associated with follow-up care. Finally, procedural considerations included equitable access, patient prioritization, and trust and control.

Conclusions

Incorporating insights from this study into the clinical development and implementation of the BAP is crucial to ensure alignment of the product and procedures with the needs and expectations of people with T1D.

Effect of automated insulin delivery systems on person-reported outcomes in people with diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Conclusive evidence on the benefits of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems on person-reported outcomes (PROs) is missing.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and GoogleScholar) were searched from inception up to August 7th, 2024. All types of studies were included if studies reported on PROs in people with diabetes using an AID system. All types of control groups in randomised controlled trials (RCT) were included. Summary data were extracted by three reviewers. Main outcomes focused on diabetes distress, fear of hypoglycaemia and quality of life. Meta-analyses were conducted for RCTs and observational studies separately. When five or more studies could be pooled, random-effects meta-analysis was used, otherwise common-effects meta-analysis was used. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane tools. This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42022352502.

Findings

A total of 62 studies (n = 9253) were included reporting on 45 different questionnaires. Twenty-seven studies were RCTs and 25 were observational studies. RCT meta-analyses showed reduced diabetes distress (standardised mean difference [95% CI]: -0.159 [-0.309, -0.010], I2 = 23.0%), reduced fear of hypoglycaemia (-0.339 [-0.566, -0.111], I2 = 42.6%), and improved hypoglycaemia unawareness (-0.231 [-0.424, -0.037], I2 = 0.0%), quality of life in adults (0.347 [0.134, 0.560], I2 = 0.0%) and children/adolescents (0.249 [0.050, 0.448], I2 = 0.0%). Observational meta-analyses corroborated improvements in diabetes distress (-0.217 [-0.403, -0.031], I2 = 68.5%), fear of hypoglycaemia (-0.445 [-0.540, -0.349], I2 = 0.0%), hypoglycaemia unawareness (-0.212 [-0.419, -0.004], I2 = 0.0%), and showed improved sleep quality (-0.158 [-0.255, -0.061], I2 = 0.0%).

Interpretation

We found low to moderate effect sizes indicating that AID therapy is associated with reduced burden and improved well-being in people with diabetes. Evidence comes from both RCTs and observational studies. However, for some PROs only a limited number of studies could be pooled with a large heterogeneity in questionnaires used. More research is needed with a more uniformed assessment of PROs to demonstrate the added value of AID therapy on psychosocial outcomes.

Funding

None.

Feasibility and Preliminary Safety of Smartphone-Based Automated Insulin Delivery in Adolescents and Children With Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

A smartphone-based automated insulin delivery (AID) controller device can facilitate use of interoperable components and acceptance in adolescents and children.

METHODS

Pediatric participants (N = 20, 8F) with type 1 diabetes were enrolled in three sequential age-based cohorts: adolescents (12-<18 years, n = 8, 5F), school-age (8-<12 years, n = 7, 2F), and young children (2-<8 years, n = 5, 1F). Participants used the interoperable artificial pancreas system (iAPS) and zone model predictive control (MPC) on an unlocked smartphone for 48 hours, consumed unrestricted meals of their choice, and engaged in various unannounced exercises. Primary outcomes and stopping criteria were defined using fingerstick blood glucose (BG) data; secondary outcomes compared continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data with preceding sensor augmented pump (SAP) therapy.

RESULTS

During AID, there was no more than one BG <50 mg/dL except in one young child participant; no instance of more than two episodes of BG ≥300 mg/dL lasting longer than 2 hours; and no adverse events. Despite large meals (total of 404.9 grams of carbs) and unannounced exercise (total of 182 minutes), overall CGM percent time in range (TIR) of 70 to 180 mg/dL during AID was statistically similar to SAP (63.5% vs 57.3%, respectively, P = .145). Overnight glucose standard deviation was 43 mg/dL (vs SAP 57.9 mg/dL, P = .009) and coefficient of variation was 25.7% (vs SAP 34.9%, P < .001). The percent time in closed-loop mode and connected to the CGM was 92.7% and 99.6%, respectively. Surveys indicated that participants and parents/guardians were satisfied with the system.

CONCLUSIONS

The smartphone-based AID was feasible and safe in sequentially younger cohorts of adolescents and children.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV

NCT04255381 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04255381).

Study protocol for a randomised open-label clinical trial examining the safety and efficacy of the Android Artificial Pancreas System (AAPS) with advanced bolus-free features in adults with type 1 diabetes: the 'CLOSE IT' (Closed Loop Open SourcE In Type 1 diabetes) trial

INTRODUCTION

Multiple automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have become commercially available following randomised controlled trials demonstrating benefits in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, their real-world utility may be undermined by user-associated burdens, including the need to carbohydrate count and deliver manual insulin boluses. There is an important need for a 'fully automated closed loop' (FCL) AID system, without manual mealtime boluses. The (Closed Loop Open SourcE In Type 1 diabetes) trial is a randomised trial comparing an FCL AID system to the same system used as a hybrid closed loop (HCL) in people with T1D, in an outpatient setting over an extended time frame.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Randomised, open-label, parallel, non-inferiority trial comparing the Android Artificial Pancreas System (AAPS) AID algorithm used as FCL to the same algorithm used as HCL. Seventy-five participants aged 18-70 will be randomised (1:1) to one of two treatment arms for 12 weeks: (a) FCL-participants will be advised not to bolus for meals and (b) HCL-participants will use the AAPS AID algorithm as HCL with announced meals. The primary outcome is the percentage of time in target sensor glucose range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L). Secondary outcomes include other glycaemic metrics, safety, psychosocial factors, platform performance and user dietary factors. Twenty FCL arm participants will participate in a 4-week extension phase comparing glycaemic and dietary outcomes using NovoRapid (insulin aspart) to Fiasp (insulin aspart and niacinamide).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approvals are by the Alfred Health Ethics Committee (615/22) (Australia) and Health and Disability Ethics Committees (2022 FULL 13832) (New Zealand). Each participant will provide written informed consent. Data protection and confidentiality will be ensured. Study results will be disseminated by publications, conferences and patient advocacy groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

ACTRN12622001400752 and ACTRN12622001401741.

Experience with burdens of diabetes device use that affect uptake and optimal use in people with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes technology continues to advance, with more individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) adopting insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems that integrate real-time glucose data with an algorithm to assist with insulin dosing decisions. These technologies are linked with benefits to glycemic outcomes (e.g. increased time in target range), diabetes management behaviors, and quality of life. However, current devices and systems are not without barriers and hassles for the user. The intent of this review is to describe the personal challenges and reactions that users experience when interacting with current diabetes technologies, which can affect their acceptance and motivation to engage with their devices. This review will discuss user experiences and strategies to address three main areas: (i) the emotional burden of utilizing a wearable device; (ii) the perceived and experienced negative social consequences of device use; and (iii) the practical challenges of wearing devices.

Psychosocial Outcomes with the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Caregivers

Objective

While automated insulin delivery (AID) systems aim to improve glycemic outcomes, the opportunity to improve psychosocial outcomes is also of critical importance for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers. We evaluated psychosocial outcomes in these groups during a clinical trial of a tubeless AID system, the Omnipod® 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System.

Methods

This single-arm, multicenter, prospective study enrolled 83 children (6.0-11.9 years) and 42 adolescents (12.0-17.9 years) with type 1 diabetes to use a tubeless AID system for 3 months. Participants and their caregivers completed age- and role-appropriate validated questionnaires to assess changes in psychosocial outcomes-diabetes distress (PAID), hypoglycemia confidence (HCS), well-being (WHO-5), sleep quality (PSQI), insulin delivery satisfaction (IDSS), and system usability (SUS)-before and after 3 months of AID system use. Associations between participant characteristics and glycemic outcomes with psychosocial measures were evaluated using linear regression analyses.

Results

Improvements were found for children, adolescents, and/or their caregivers for diabetes-related distress, insulin delivery satisfaction, and system usability (all P < 0.05). Caregivers of children saw additional benefits of improved general well-being, confidence in managing hypoglycemia, and sleep quality (all P < 0.05). Regression analyses showed that improvements in psychosocial outcomes were generally independent of baseline characteristics and changes in glycemic outcomes.

Conclusions

The tubeless AID system was associated with significant improvements in a number of psychosocial outcomes for children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Trial registration: This trial is registered with NCT04196140.

Measures of Patient-Reported Expectations, Acceptance, and Satisfaction Using Automated Insulin Delivery Systems: A Review

In people with type 1 diabetes, Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) systems adjust insulin delivery in response to sensor glucose data and consist of three components: an insulin pump, a continuous glucose sensor, and an algorithm that determines insulin delivery. To date, all the available AID systems require users to announce carbohydrate intake and deliver meal boluses, as well as respond to system alarms. The use of AID devices both initially and over time may be influenced by a variety of psychological factors. Analysis of patient-related outcomes should be taken into account, while recruiting applicants for the systems who are motivated and have realistic expectations in order to prevent AID dropout. We report an up-to-date summary of the available measures and semi-structured interview content to assess AID expectations, acceptance, and satisfaction using the AID systems. In conclusion, we suggest, before and after starting using AID systems, performing a specific evaluation of the related psychological implications, using validated measures and semi-structured interviews, that allows diabetes care providers to tailor their education approach to the factors that concern the patient at that time; they can teach problem-solving skills and other behavioral strategies to support sustained use of the AID system.

Differences in positive expectancy of hybrid closed loop (HCL) insulin delivery systems do not explain racial differences in HCL use

Aims

Hybrid closed loop (HCL) insulin delivery systems improve glycemia and quality of life among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), however there are inequities in use. We aimed to evaluate whether differences in positive expectancy of HCL systems may explain differences in use.

Methods

Fifteen publicly-insured, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) youth with hemoglobin A1_C (HbA1c) ≥ 10% enrolled in a study exploring changes in glycemia and person reported outcomes (PRO) during 6 months of Tandem t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology. At baseline youth and parents completed PROs, including Insulin Delivery Systems: Perceptions, Ideas, Reflections and Expectations (INSPIRE) survey assessing positive expectancy of HCL use, and Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) survey assessing diabetes-related distress. Differences between this cohort and the Tandem Control-IQ pediatric pivotal trial (DCLP5) cohort were assessed.

Results

As compared to the DCLP5 cohort (0% NHB, 10% publicly-insured), baseline glycemic indicators were suboptimal (M_HbA1c 11.9 ± 1.4% vs 7.6 ± 0.9%, p < 0.0001; continuous glucose monitor (CGM) time-above-range > 180 mg/dL 82 ± 15% vs 45 ± 18%, p < 0.0001). INSPIRE scores in both cohorts were equally high among youth (80 ± 10 vs 77 ± 13, p = 0.41) and parents (88 ± 14 vs 85 ± 11, p = 0.37). PAID scores were higher among parents (68 ± 19 vs 43 ± 16, p < 0.0001), but not youth (43 ± 16 vs 35 ± 16, p = 0.09) in the historically marginalized cohort as compared to the DCLP5 cohort.

Conclusions

Despite differences in glycemic control and diabetes related burden, positive expectancy of HCL systems is comparable among historically marginalized youth with T1D and the predominantly non-Hispanic White, privately insured DCLP5 cohort. These findings suggest that differences in perceptions of HCL technology may not explain inequities in use.

Institutional role conflict in the digital age: The case of diabetes management at school

As the prevalence of pediatric diabetes grows and new technologies to manage diabetes emerge, there is increasing concern about consistency in health management across institutional settings, particularly in schools. While much is known about barriers at school, there are still gaps in understanding the institutional dynamics that shape health management in this setting. Using focus groups with 19 youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and applying institutional role theory, we find healthcare providers' recommendations conflict with school rules and norms, making it difficult to enact both the "sick role" and the "student role." These conflicts elicit negative responses from teachers and peers and stigmatize youth with T1D in school. Caregiver involvement often heightens rather than ameliorates conflict and teachers do not intervene in effective ways. Ultimately, youth must manage conflicts and stigma. By reframing challenges in health management as institutional role conflict, this paper contributes to sociological research by highlighting the importance of institutional roles, especially beyond healthcare. More broadly, the study suggests health research and policy should investigate how to better align institutional roles-rather than relying on youth and their families-to support health management of chronic illnesses across institutional settings.

Control-IQ Technology Positively Impacts Patient Reported Outcome Measures and Glycemic Control in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes in a Real-World Setting

Objective

To determine the impact of the t:slim X2 insulin pump with Control-IQ technology on the quality of life and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parents in a real-world setting. Research Design and Methods. We conducted a single-center, prospective study on pediatric patients (6-18 years old) with T1D using a Tandem t:slim X2 pump and initiating Control-IQ technology as part of routine care. Youth (≥8 years) and parents completed validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at baseline and the end of the study (16 weeks). Glycemic control measures were recorded at baseline and every 4 weeks until the end of the study.

Results

Fifty-nine youth participated; the median (IQR) age was 13.8 (11.1, 15.7) years, and T1D duration was 6.3 (3.1, 8.4) years. INSPIRE scores (evaluating expectations (baseline) and impact (post) of Control-IQ technology) were favorable, unchanged at the end of the study for youth, and lower for parents (p = 0.04). Other PROM scores improved by the end of the study with mean (95% CI) differences for youth and parents, respectively, as follows: Diabetes Impact and Device Satisfaction (DIDS) Scale Diabetes Impact -1.08 (-1.51, -0.64) (p < 0.001) and -1.41 (-1.96, -0.87) (p < 0.001); DIDS Scale Device Satisfaction +0.43 (0.11, 0.74) (p = 0.01) and +0.58 (0.31, 0.85) (p < 0.001); Hypoglycemia Fear Survey -4.41 (-7.65, -1.17) (p = 0.01) and -7.64 (-11.66, -3.62) (p < 0.001); and WHO-5 Well-Being Index +5.10 (-1.40, 11.6) (p = 0.12) and +9.60 (3.40, 15.8) (p = 0.003). The mean time in range increased from 52.6% at baseline to 62.6% (p < 0.001) at 4 weeks, sustained to 16 weeks.

Conclusions

Initiation of Control-IQ technology in a real-world setting significantly reduced the impact of diabetes on daily life while simultaneously improving glycemic control. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04838561 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04838561?term=Control-IQ&cond=Type+1+Diabetes&cntry=CA&draw=2&rank=1).

Quality of life and psychological well-being among children and adolescents with diabetes and their caregivers using open-source automated insulin delivery systems: Findings from a multinational survey

BACKGROUND

Open-source automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have shown to be safe and effective in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in real-world studies. However, there is a lack of evidence on the effect on their caregivers' quality-of-life (QoL) and well-being. The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of caregivers and children and adolescents using open-source AID systems using validated measures.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional online survey we examined the caregiver-reported QoL and well-being of users and non-users. Validated questionnaires assessed general well-being (WHO-5), diabetes-specific QoL (PAID, PedsQL) and sleep quality (PSQI).

RESULTS

168 caregivers from 27 countries completed at least one questionnaire, including 119 caregivers of children using open-source AID and 49 not using them. After inclusion of covariates, all measures but the PAID and one subscale of the PedsQL showed significant between-group differences with AID users reporting higher general (WHO-5: p = 0.003), sleep-related (PSQI: p = 0.001) and diabetes-related QoL (PedsQL: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results show the potential impact of open-source AID on QoL and psychological well-being of caregivers and children and adolescents with T1D, and can therefore help to inform academia, regulators, and policymakers about the psychosocial health implications of open-source AID.

Adolescent ambivalence about diabetes technology-The Janus faces of automated care

The Janus face metaphor approach highlights that a technology may simultaneously have two opposite faces or properties with unforeseen paradoxes within human-technology interaction. Suboptimal acceptance and clinical outcomes are sometimes seen in adolescents who use diabetes-related technologies. A traditional linear techno-determinist model of technology use would ascribe these unintended outcomes to suboptimal technology, suboptimal patient behavior, or suboptimal outcome measures. This paradigm has demonstratively not been successful at universally improving clinical outcomes over the last two decades. Alternatively, the Janus face metaphor moves away from a linear techno-determinist model and focuses on the dynamic interaction of the human condition and technology. Specifically, it can be used to understand variance in adoption or successful use of diabetes-related technology and to retrospectively understand suboptimal outcomes. The Janus face metaphor also allows for a prospective exploration of potential impacts of diabetes-related technology by patients, families, and their doctors so as to anticipate and minimize potential subsequent tensions.

Adolescents' and their parents' experiences of using a closed-loop system to manage type 1 diabetes in everyday life: qualitative study

OBJECTIVES

Type 1 diabetes can have life-shattering consequences for adolescents and parents. A closed-loop system is a cutting-edge technology which automatically regulates glucose to reduce the burden of diabetes management. We explored adolescents' and parents' experiences of using this technology to understand how it affects their biographies and everyday lives.

METHODS

In-depth interviews with 18 adolescents newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and 21 parents after ≥12 months experience using closed-loop technology. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Participants reported very few disruptions to their lives when using a closed-loop. Reports of family conflict were minimal as the closed-loop enabled dietary flexibility and glucose levels to be checked effortlessly. Adolescents described doing 'normal' activities without worrying about high/low glucose, and parents reported allowing them to do so unsupervised because the closed-loop would regulate their glucose and keep them safe. Some adolescents expressed concerns about the visibility of components and, to avoid stigma, described curtailing activities such as swimming. Participants described how the closed-loop enabled adolescents to be in control of, or create distance from, diabetes.

DISCUSSION

The closed-loop has life-enhancing consequences for both adolescents and parents and helps to reduce the biographical disruption of type 1 diabetes in this age group.

Barriers and Facilitators to Diabetes Device Adoption for People with Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetes technology (insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitoring, automated insulin delivery systems) has advanced significantly and provides benefits to the user. This article reviews the current barriers to diabetes device adoption and sustained use, and outlines the known and potential facilitators for increasing and sustaining device adoption.

RECENT FINDINGS

Barriers to diabetes device adoption continue to exist at the system-, provider-, and individual-level. Known facilitators to promote sustained adoption include consistent insurance coverage, support for providers and clinics, structured education and support for technology users, and device user access to support as needed (e.g., through online resources). Systemic barriers to diabetes device adoption persist while growing evidence demonstrates the increasing benefits of newest devices and systems. There are ongoing efforts to develop evidence-based structured education programs to support device adoption and sustained use.

The Psychological Implications of Automated Insulin Delivery Systems in Type 1 Diabetes Care

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems have brought important glycemic benefits to type 1 diabetes management. The present paper provides an overview of their psychological implications. Trials and real-world observational studies report improvements in diabetes-specific quality of life, with qualitative work describing reduced management burden, increased flexibility and improved relationships. Not all experiences are positive, however, evidenced by dropping algorithm use soon after device initiation. Apart from finance and logistics, reasons for discontinuation include technology frustrations, wear-related issues and unmet glycemic and work load expectations. New challenges include distrust in proper AID functioning, overreliance and deskilling, compensatory behaviors to override or trick the system and optimize time in range, and concerns related to wearing multiple devices on the body. Research efforts may focus on incorporating a diversity perspective, updating existing person-reported outcome measures according to new technology developments, addressing implicit or explicit health professional bias in technology access, examining the merits of incorporating stress reactivity in the AID algorithm, and developing concrete approaches for psychological counseling and support related to technology use. An open dialogue with health professionals and peers about expectations, preferences and needs may foster the collaboration between the person with diabetes and the AID system.

Parents' experiences of using a hybrid closed-loop system (CamAPS FX) to care for a very young child with type 1 diabetes: Qualitative study

AIMS

To explore parents' experiences of using a hybrid closed-loop system (CamAPS FX) when caring for a very young child (aged 1-7 years) with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Interviews with n = 33 parents of 30 children who used the system during a randomised controlled trial. Data analysis used a descriptive thematic approach.

RESULTS

While some parents were initially reticent about handing control to the system, all reported clinical benefits to using the technology, having to do less diabetes-related work and needing less clinical input over time. Parents welcomed opportunities to enhance the system's efficacy (using Ease-off and Boost functions) as required. Parents described how the system's automated glucose control facilitated more normality, including sleeping better, worrying less about their child, and feeling more confident and able to outsource care. Parents also described more normality for the child (alongside better sleep, mood and concentration, and lessened distress) and siblings. Parents liked being able to administer insulin using a smartphone, but suggested refinements to device size and functionality.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a hybrid closed-loop system in very young children can facilitate greater normality and may result in a lessened demand for health professionals' input. Systems may need to be customised for very young children.

Clinical Implementation of the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System: Key Considerations for Training and Onboarding People With Diabetes

Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, which connect an insulin pump, continuous glucose monitoring system, and software algorithm to automate insulin delivery based on real-time glycemic data, hold promise for improving outcomes and reducing therapeutic burden for people with diabetes. This article reviews the features of the Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System and how it compares to other AID systems available on or currently under review for the U.S. market. It also provides practical guidance for clinicians on how to effectively train and onboard people with diabetes on the Omnipod 5 System, including how to personalize therapy and optimize glycemia. Many people with diabetes receive their diabetes care in primary care settings rather than in a diabetes specialty clinic. Therefore, it is important that primary care providers have access to resources to support the adoption of AID technologies such as the Omnipod 5 System.

Emergency Glucagon: a Focused Review of Psychosocial Experiences of Rescue Drugs for Type 1 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this paper is to describe rescue glucagon types, safety, efficacy, and preferences, as well as to review articles regarding emergency glucagon usage, severe hypoglycemia, and the emotions of both phenomena. We conducted a review of current literature on glucagon usage and the emotional impact of severe hypoglycemia on people with diabetes (PwD) and the caregivers of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RECENT FINDINGS

Minimal research exists pertaining to glucagon and severe hypoglycemic experiences in PwD, which is troubling considering the severity of risks and possible side effects. Recent articles described negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, stress, helplessness, shame, embarrassment, loneliness, frustration, hopefulness, and uncertainty surrounding glucagon usage. There is scarce research regarding PwD's emotions surrounding severe hypoglycemia and rescue glucagon use. Additional research is needed to investigate the emotions and feelings people with T1D and their caregivers' experience pertaining to severe hypoglycemia and emergency glucagon use.

Open-source automated insulin delivery: international consensus statement and practical guidance for health-care professionals

Open-source automated insulin delivery systems, commonly referred to as do-it-yourself automated insulin delivery systems, are examples of user-driven innovations that were co-created and supported by an online community who were directly affected by diabetes. Their uptake continues to increase globally, with current estimates suggesting several thousand active users worldwide. Real-world user-driven evidence is growing and provides insights into safety and effectiveness of these systems. The aim of this consensus statement is two-fold. Firstly, it provides a review of the current evidence, description of the technologies, and discusses the ethics and legal considerations for these systems from an international perspective. Secondly, it provides a much-needed international health-care consensus supporting the implementation of open-source systems in clinical settings, with detailed clinical guidance. This consensus also provides important recommendations for key stakeholders that are involved in diabetes technologies, including developers, regulators, and industry, and provides medico-legal and ethical support for patient-driven, open-source innovations.

Barriers to Uptake of Insulin Technologies and Novel Solutions

Diabetes-related technology has undergone great advancement in recent years. These technological devices are more commonly utilized in the type 1 diabetes population, which requires insulin as the primary treatment modality. Available devices include insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid systems referred to as automated insulin delivery systems or hybrid closed-loop systems, which combine those two devices along with software algorithms to achieve advanced therapeutic capabilities, including automatic modulation of insulin delivery based on sensor-derived glucose levels to minimize abnormal glucose trends. Use of diabetes technology is associated with significant positive health and psychosocial outcomes, yet utilization rates are generally lacking across both adult and pediatric type 1 diabetes populations in the United States and other countries. There are consistent themes in existing barriers to technology uptake reported by individuals with type 1 diabetes or parents of children with type 1 diabetes, including physical burdens associated with wearing the devices, concerns in navigating the technology and the devices' abilities to meet user expectations, high cost, inadequate resources within the healthcare team to support device use, disparities in technology access, and psychosocial barriers. It is important to understand the common barriers to uptake of not only the automated insulin delivery systems but also their component devices (insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors) to fully support individuals in utilizing these devices and optimizing health benefits. The purpose of this article is to summarize the current automated insulin delivery devices that are available for use in management of type 1 diabetes, review common barriers to uptake of those systems and their component devices, and provide expert opinion on existing and future solutions to identified barriers.

Youth and parent preferences for an ideal AP system: It is all about reducing burden

BACKGROUND

As new diabetes technologies improve to better manage glucose levels, users' priorities for future technologies may shift to prioritize burden reduction and ease of use. We used qualitative methods to explore youth and parent desired features of an "ideal" artificial pancreas (AP) system.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 39 youth, ages 10-25 years, and 44 parents. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Youth (79% female, 82% non-Hispanic white) were (M ± SD) ages 17.0 ± 4.7 years, with diabetes for 9.4 ± 4.9 years, and HbA1c of 8.4 ± 1.1%; 79% were pump-treated and 82% used CGM. Of parents, 91% were mothers and 86% were non-Hispanic white. Participants suggested various ways in which an ideal AP system could reduce physical and emotional burdens of diabetes. Physical burdens could be reduced by lessening user responsibilities to manage glucose for food and exercise, and wear or carry devices. Emotional burden could be reduced by mitigating negative emotional reactions to sound and frequency of alerts, while increasing feelings of normalcy. Youth and parents differed in their suggestions to reduce emotional burden. Participants suggested features that would improve glycemia, but nearly always in the context of how the feature would directly reduce their diabetes-specific burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Although participants expressed interest in improving glucose levels, the pervasive desire among suggested features of an ideal AP system was to minimize the burden of diabetes. Understanding and addressing users' priorities to reduce physical and emotional burden will be necessary to enhance uptake and maintain use of future AP systems.

Fault Tolerant Strategies for Automated Insulin Delivery Considering the Human Component: Current and Future Perspectives

Automated Insulin Delivery (AID) are systems developed for daily use by people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). To ensure the safety of users, it is essential to consider how the human factor affects the performance and safety of these devices. While there are numerous publications on hardware-related failures of AID systems, there are few studies on the human component of the system. From a control point of view, people with T1D using AID systems are at the same time the plant to be controlled and the plant operator. Therefore, users may induce faults in the controller, sensors, actuators, and the plant itself. Strategies to cope with the human interaction in AID systems are needed for further development of the technology. In this paper, we present an analysis of potential faults introduced by AID users when the system is under normal operation. This is followed by a review of current fault tolerant control (FTC) approaches to identify missing areas of research. The paper concludes with a discussion on future directions for the new generation of FTC AID systems.

Innovative features and functionalities of an artificial pancreas system: What do youth and parents want?

AIMS

Participant-driven solutions may help youth and families better engage and maintain use of diabetes technologies. We explored innovative features and functionalities of an ideal artificial pancreas (AP) system suggested by youth with type 1 diabetes and parents.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 youth, ages 10-25 years, and 44 parents. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and coded using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Youth (72% female, 82% non-Hispanic white) were (M ± SD) ages 17.0 ± 4.7 years, with diabetes for 9.4 ± 4.9 years, and HbA_1c of 68 ± 11 mmol/mol (8.4 ± 1.1%); 79% were pump-treated and 82% were continuous glucose monitor users. Of parents, 91% were mothers and 86% were non-Hispanic white, with a child 10.6 ± 4.5 years old. Youth and parents suggested a variety of innovative features and functionalities for an ideal AP system related to (1) enhancing the appeal of user interface, (2) increasing automation of new glucose management functionalities, and (3) innovative and commercial add-ons for greater convenience. Youth and parents offered many similar suggestions, including integration of ketone testing, voice activation, and location-tracking into the system. Youth seemed more driven by increasing convenience and normalcy while parents expressed more concerns with safety.

CONCLUSIONS

Youth and parents expressed creative solutions for an ideal AP system to increase ease of use, enhance normalcy, and reduce burden of management. Designers of AP systems will likely benefit from incorporating the desired preferences by end users to optimize acceptance and usability by young persons with diabetes.

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.

Perceptions and Understanding of Diabetes Mellitus Technology in Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 DM: A Pilot Survey from Pakistan

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes mellitus technology (DMT) is increasingly used for routine management in developed countries, yet its uptake in developing countries is not as consistent. Multiple factors may influence this, including country specific patient perception regarding DMT. We conducted a pilot study in Pakistan to understand this important question which has not been studied yet.

METHODS

A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Pakistan. An anonymous survey exploring perceptions of diabetes technology was circulated on social media platforms, collecting responses over 2 weeks. Target population included adults (≥18 years) living in Pakistan, with DM1 or 2.

RESULTS

A total of 40 responses were received. The majority (36/40) reported using conventional glucometers. Nine used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Thirty-two of 40 patients believed DMT improved diabetes care, 22 felt it helped decreased risk of Diabetes-related complications. 15/40 stated that DMT results in increased cost of care. Sixteen reported their diabetes care teams had never discussed wearable DMT options whereas 11 disliked them because they did not want a device on their self.

CONCLUSION

In our pilot study we have identified broad themes of opportunity and challenges to DMT use in Pakistan. Patients' perceptions regarding DMT were generally positive but significant barriers to its acceptance included high cost, lack of discussion between doctor and patient about available technology and personal hesitation. Limitations of our study include sampling bias (online survey) and small sample size, but this data can help inform larger studies, to look at this important topic in greater detail.

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

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

Perceptions and expectations of adults with type 1 diabetes for the use of artificial pancreas systems with and without glucagon addition: Results of an online survey

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The first hybrid artificial pancreas (AP) systems with insulin only (mono-hormonal) have recently reached the market while next generations systems are under development including those with glucagon addition (bi-hormonal). Understanding the expectations and impressions of future potential users about AP systems is important for optimal use of this clinically effective emerging technology.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An online survey about AP systems which consisted of 50 questions was addressed to people with type 1 diabetes in the province of Quebec, Canada. Surveys were completed by 123 respondents with type 1 diabetes (54% women, mean (SD) age 40.2 (14.4) y.o., diabetes duration 23.7 (14.1) years, 58% insulin pump users and 43% glucose sensor users). Of the respondents, 91% understood how AP systems work, 79% trusted them with correct insulin dosing, 73% were willing to replace their current treatment with AP and 80% expected improvement in quality of life. Anxiety about letting an algorithm control their glucose levels was expressed by 18% while the option of ignoring or modifying AP instructions was favoured by 88%. As for bi-hormonal AP systems, 83% of respondents thought they would be useful to further reduce hypoglycemic risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, respondents expressed positive views about AP systems use and high expectations for a better quality of life, glycemic control and hypoglycemia reduction. Data from this survey could be useful to health care professionals and developers of AP systems.

Barriers and facilitators to accessing insulin pump therapy by adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a qualitative study

AIMS

Uptake of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) by people with diabetes (PwD) in Ireland is low and exhibits regional variation. This study explores barriers and facilitators to accessing CSII by adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A qualitative study employing focus groups with adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 26) and semi-structured interviews with health care professionals (HCP) and other key stakeholders (n = 21) was conducted. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data, using NVivo.

RESULTS

Four main themes comprising barriers to or facilitators of CSII uptake were identified. These included: (1) awareness of CSII and its benefits, (2) the structure of diabetes services, (3) the capacity of the diabetes service to deliver the CSII service, and (4) the impact of individuals' attitudes and personal characteristics-both PwD, and HCP. Each of these themes was associated with a number of categories, of which 18 were identified and explored. If the structure of the health-service is insufficient and capacity is poor (e.g., under-resourced clinics), CSII uptake appears to be impacted by individuals': interest, attitude, willingness and motivation, which may intensify the regional inequality in accessing CSII.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified factors that contribute to gaps in the delivery of diabetes care that policy-makers may use to improve access to CSII for adult PwD.

A qualitative study exploring the expectations of people living with type 1 diabetes regarding prospective use of a hybrid closed-loop system

AIM

To identify the expectations of a diversified sample of informed adults with type 1 diabetes on their prospective use of a hybrid closed-loop system.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 adults with type 1 diabetes who shared their expectations on an experimental hybrid closed-loop system after receiving information on its design, functioning and capability. The sample had equal representation of genders and diabetes management methods and was diversified according to age, education and occupation when possible. Qualitative content analysis of the interview transcripts with MaxQDA was used to identify expected benefits, expected inconveniences and concerns, expected improvements to design and functionalities, and interest and trust in the system.

RESULTS

Participants expected benefits regarding diabetes management, clinical outcomes, psychosocial aspects of their lives, nutrition and meals, and physical activity. Participants expected inconveniences or shared concerns regarding wearability, costs and technical limitations. According to participants, improvements could be made to the system's physical appearance, practical convenience, functionalities, and software integration. Overall, 12 participants would use the system. While participants' trust could be immediate or grow over time, it could ultimately be conditional on the system's performance.

CONCLUSION

Prospective users' general enthusiasm and trust foster the clinical and commercial success of hybrid closed-loop systems. However, poor user satisfaction caused by unrealistic expectations and plausible inconveniences and concerns may limit this success. Providing prospective users with comprehensive information while validating their understanding could mitigate unrealistic expectations. Improvements to design and coverage policies could favour uptake.

Psychosocial Aspects of Diabetes Technology Use: The Child and Family Perspective

This article offers a systematic review of the literature on psychosocial aspects of technology use in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and their families, searching for relevant articles published the past 5 years. Topics included continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, continuous glucose monitoring, predictive low-glucose suspend, and artificial pancreas systems. The review indicates there are positive and negative psychosocial aspects to diabetes technology use among youth and their families. Although consistent findings were revealed, contradictions exist. Discussed are recommendations for future research and implications for how health care providers can collaborate with families to discuss and manage diabetes technology.

Psychosocial aspects of diabetes technology

AIM

To identify key psychosocial research in the domain of diabetes technology.

RESULTS

Four trajectories of psychosocial diabetes technology research are identified that characterize research over the past 25 years. Key evidence is reviewed on psychosocial outcomes of technology use as well as psychosocial barriers and facilitating conditions of diabetes technology uptake. Psychosocial interventions that address modifiable barriers and psychosocial factors have proven to be effective in improving glycaemic and self-reported outcomes in diabetes technology users.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial diabetes technology research is essential for designing interventions and education programmes targeting the person with diabetes to facilitate optimized outcomes associated with technology uptake. Psychosocial aspects of diabetes technology use and related research will be even more important in the future given the advent of systems for automated insulin delivery and the increasingly widespread digitalization of diabetes care.

Realizing a Closed-Loop (Artificial Pancreas) System for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Recent, rapid changes in the treatment of type 1 diabetes have allowed for commercialization of an "artificial pancreas" that is better described as a closed-loop controller of insulin delivery. This review presents the current state of closed-loop control systems and expected future developments with a discussion of the human factor issues in allowing automation of glucose control. The goal of these systems is to minimize or prevent both short-term and long-term complications from diabetes and to decrease the daily burden of managing diabetes. The closed-loop systems are generally very effective and safe at night, have allowed for improved sleep, and have decreased the burden of diabetes management overnight. However, there are still significant barriers to achieving excellent daytime glucose control while simultaneously decreasing the burden of daytime diabetes management. These systems use a subcutaneous continuous glucose sensor, an algorithm that accounts for the current glucose and rate of change of the glucose, and the amount of insulin that has already been delivered to safely deliver insulin to control hyperglycemia, while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. The future challenge will be to allow for full closed-loop control with minimal burden on the patient during the day, alleviating meal announcements, carbohydrate counting, alerts, and maintenance. The human factors involved with interfacing with a closed-loop system and allowing the system to take control of diabetes management are significant. It is important to find a balance between enthusiasm and realistic expectations and experiences with the closed-loop system.

Benefits and Barriers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has potential to address challenges of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management for young children. CGM use is increasing, yet remains underutilized. Characterizing parents' experiences with CGM can inform clinical strategies to help parents make decisions about diabetes management, overcome obstacles to initiating and sustaining CGM use, and maximize benefits of CGM use in their children's diabetes care. Methods: Transcripts from semistructured qualitative interviews with 55 parents of children aged 1 to <8 years, with T1D duration ≥6 months, and whose child currently or previously used CGM were coded and analyzed to derive themes about their experiences with CGM. Results: Participants were 88% mothers and the mean child age was 5.0 ± 1.5 years. Parents described benefits of CGM use: decreased worry about glucose excursions, improved sleep, increased sense of safety with children who cannot recognize or express symptoms of hypo- or hyperglycemia, and greater comfort with other caregivers, especially using remote monitoring functionality when away from children. Challenges included painful insertions, wearing multiple devices on small bodies, disruptive alerts, data gaps due to lost signals, skin/adhesive problems, and difficulty interpreting the amount of information generated by CGM. For some, the challenges outweighed potential benefits and they stopped CGM use. Conclusions: CGM may address unique challenges of T1D in young children and increase parental comfort with diabetes management, yet there are multiple barriers to initiating or maintaining CGM use. Education and behavioral support to address these benefits and barriers may equip caregivers with skills to address challenges of CGM use.

A Clinical Overview of Insulin Pump Therapy for the Management of Diabetes: Past, Present, and Future of Intensive Therapy

IN BRIEF Insulin pump therapy is advancing rapidly. This article summarizes the variety of insulin pump technologies available to date and discusses important clinical considerations for each type of technology.

Assessing patient-reported outcomes for automated insulin delivery systems: the psychometric properties of the INSPIRE measures

AIM

Participants in clinical trials assessing automated insulin delivery systems report perceived benefits and burdens that reflect their experiences and may predict their likelihood of uptake and continued use of this novel technology. Despite the importance of understanding their perspectives, there are no available validated and reliable measures assessing the psychosocial aspects of automated insulin delivery systems. The present study assesses the initial psychometric properties of the INSPIRE measures, which were developed for youth and adults with Type 1 diabetes, as well as parents and partners.

METHODS

Data from 292 youth, 159 adults, 150 parents of youth and 149 partners of individuals recruited from the Type 1 Diabetes Exchange Registry were analysed. Participants completed INSPIRE questionnaires and measures of quality of life, fear of hypoglycaemia, diabetes distress, glucose monitoring satisfaction. Exploratory factor analysis assessed factor structures. Associations between INSPIRE scores and other measures, HbA_1c , and technology use assessed concurrent and discriminant validity.

RESULTS

Youth, adult, parent and partner measures assess positive expectancies of automated insulin delivery systems. Measures range from 17 to 22 items and are reliable (α = 0.95-0.97). Youth, adult and parent measures are unidimensional; the partner measure has a two-factor structure (perceptions of impact on partners versus the person with diabetes). Measures showed concurrent and discriminant validity.

CONCLUSIONS

INSPIRE measures assessing the positive expectancies of automated insulin delivery systems for youth, adults, parents and partners have meaningful factor structures and are internally consistent. The developmentally sensitive INSPIRE measures offer added value as clinical trials test newer systems, systems become commercially available and clinicians initiate using these systems.

Patient Values and Preferences Regarding Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion and Artificial Pancreas in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Data

OBJECTIVE

We produced, through a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence, a synthesis of the issues of importance (values and preferences) to adult patients with type 1 diabetes regarding treatment with automated insulin delivery systems.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO from the inception of each database through September 2018. We included studies examining patient values and preferences for outcomes related to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or artificial pancreas treatment. We compiled structured summaries of the results and assessed the relative importance of each outcome. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment Development, and Evaluation) and CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approaches provided the structure for the evaluation of the quality of evidence and confidence in the findings. A mixed-methods result-based convergent design provided the structure for integration and presentation of results.

RESULTS

We reviewed 1665 unique citations; 19 studies (8 quantitative and 11 qualitative) proved eligible. Glycemic control is the key attribute that drives patients' preference. Reduction of glycemic variability and decreased incidence of hypoglycemia and chronic complications proved of intermediate importance and were ranked similarly to components of treatment burden, including the size and appearance of devices, cost, ease of use, and the embarrassment of public use.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinician guidance may play a crucial role in determining patient values and preferences (for instance, patients' priority in glucose control rather than avoiding diabetic complications). Our results provide guidance for clinicians in discussing preferred insulin delivery systems with patients with type 1 diabetes.

Participants' Experiences of, and Views About, Daytime Use of a Day-and-Night Hybrid Closed-Loop System in Real Life Settings: Longitudinal Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

To explore individuals' experiences of daytime use of a day-and-night hybrid closed-loop system, their information and support needs, and their views about how future systems could be improved.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty-four adults, adolescents, and parents were interviewed before using a hybrid day-and-night closed-loop system and 3 months later, data were analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

Participants praised the closed loop's ability to respond to high and low blood glucose in ways which extended beyond their own capabilities and to act as a safety net and mop up errors, such as when a mealtime bolus was forgotten or unplanned activity was undertaken. Participants also described feeling less burdened by diabetes as a consequence and more able to lead flexible, spontaneous lives. Contrary to their initial expectations, and after trust in the system had been established, most individuals wanted opportunities to collaborate with the closed loop to optimize its effectiveness. Such individuals expressed a need to communicate information, such as when routines changed or to indicate different intensities of physical activity. While individuals valued frequent contact with staff in the initial month of use, most felt that their long-term support needs would be no greater than when using an insulin pump.

CONCLUSIONS

While participants reported substantial benefits to using the closed loop during the day, they also identified ways in which the technology could be refined and education and training tailored to optimize effective use. Our findings suggest that mainstreaming this technology will not necessarily lead to increased demands on clinical staff.

Improving patient self-care using diabetes technologies

Diabetes technologies are an unstoppable phenomenon. They offer opportunities to improve patient self-care through empowerment. However, they can be a challenge for both patients and clinicians. Thus, the use of technology may empower or burden. To understand and benefit from the use of diabetes technologies, one must understand the currently unmet needs in diabetes management. These unmet needs call for perspectives beyond glycated hemoglobin and an evaluation of technology solutions. Optimal use of these technologies is necessary to obtain benefits and achieve cost-effectiveness; this process depends on diabetes education and training. This review evaluates clinician and patient perspectives regarding diabetes technologies, followed by an evaluation of technology solutions. Diabetes technology solutions are evaluated according to available results about their effectiveness and their potential to empower people living with diabetes.

Performance of the Omnipod Personalized Model Predictive Control Algorithm with Meal Bolus Challenges in Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

This study assessed the safety and performance of the Omnipod^® personalized model predictive control (MPC) algorithm using an investigational device in adults with type 1 diabetes in response to overestimated and missed meal boluses and extended boluses for high-fat meals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A supervised 54-h hybrid closed-loop (HCL) study was conducted in a hotel setting after a 7-day outpatient open-loop run-in phase. Adults aged 18-65 years with type 1 diabetes and HbA1c 6.0%-10.0% were eligible. Primary endpoints were percentage time in hypoglycemia <70 mg/dL and hyperglycemia ≥250 mg/dL. Glycemic responses for 4 h to a 130% overestimated bolus and a missed meal bolus were compared with a 100% bolus for identical meals, respectively. The 12-h postprandial responses to a high-fat meal were compared using either a standard or extended bolus.

RESULTS

Twelve subjects participated in the study, with (mean ± standard deviation): age 35.4 ± 14.1 years, diabetes duration 16.5 ± 9.3 years, HbA1c 7.7 ± 0.9%, and total daily dose 0.58 ± 0.19 U/kg. Outcomes for the 54-h HCL period were mean glucose 153 ± 15 mg/dL, percentage time <70 mg/dL [median (interquartile range)]: 0.0% (0.0-1.2%), 70-180 mg/dL: 76.1% ± 8.0%, and ≥250 mg/dL: 4.5% ± 3.6%. After both the 100% and 130% boluses, postprandial percentage time <70 mg/dL was 0.0% (0.0-0.0%) (P = 0.50). After the 100% and missed boluses, postprandial percentage time ≥250 mg/dL was 0.2% ± 0.6% and 10.3% ± 16.5%, respectively (P = 0.06). Postprandial percentages time ≥250 mg/dL and <70 mg/dL were similar with standard or extended boluses for a high-fat meal.

CONCLUSIONS

The Omnipod personalized MPC algorithm performed well and was safe during day and night use in response to overestimated, missed, and extended meal boluses in adults with type 1 diabetes.

Closing the Loop on Managing Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: Children Are Not Just Small Adults

As hybrid closed-loop (HCL) insulin delivery systems permeate clinical practice, it is critical to ensure all with diabetes are afforded the opportunity to benefit from this technology. Indeed, due to the suboptimal control achieved by the vast majority of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), pediatric patients are positioned to see the greatest benefit from automated insulin delivery systems. To ensure these systems are well poised to deliver the promise of more targeted control, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics and factors of childhood. Herein, the developmental and physiological needs of youth with T1D are reviewed and consideration is given to how HCL could address these issues. Studies of HCL technologies in youth are briefly reviewed. As future-generation closed-loop systems are being devised, features that could make this technology more attractive to youth and to their families are discussed. Integration of HCL has the potential to minimize the burden of this chronic medical condition while improving glycemic control and ultimately allowing our pediatric patients to fulfill the primary goal of childhood, to be a kid.

Automated Insulin Delivery Systems: Hopes and Expectations of Family Members

BACKGROUND

This study examines the hopes and expectations that children, adolescents, and adults with type 1 diabetes and their families have for new automated insulin delivery systems. The study also aims to examine how the automated insulin delivery system may impact family functioning and individual members' psychosocial adjustment.

METHODS

Forty-eight semistructured focus groups (n = 195) and 89 individual interviews were conducted with children, adolescents, and adults with type 1 diabetes and parents and partners. Coders reviewed results in key themes most likely to contain references to the family system. Clusters were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify participants' salient hopes and expectations of how new technology may impact family relationships and individual psychosocial functioning.

RESULTS

Three main themes emerged for participants' hopes and expectations for implementation of the automated insulin delivery system. First, there is an expectation that this diabetes technology will alleviate diabetes-specific worry and burden for the people with diabetes and other family members. Second, there is also hope that this system may reduce day-to-day stress and, third, improve family relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

The unique perspective of a broad age group provides insight into how individuals and families creatively address the multiple tasks required in daily diabetes management. Study findings elucidate the very high hopes and expectations held by those managing type 1 diabetes and the impact this new technology may have on family relationships. Awareness of these hopes and expectations is important for developers and clinicians in addressing potential challenges to uptake and to ensure that expectations are set appropriately.