Clinical Outcomes After 1 Year of Augmented Insulin Pump Therapy in Patients with Diabetes in a Specialized Diabetes Center in Medellín, Colombia

Prevalence of dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis from medical devices used by children and adults with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and questionnaire study

Use of medical devices (MDs), that is, glucose sensors and insulin pumps, in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) has proven an enormous advantage for disease control. Adverse skin reactions from these MDs may however hamper compliance. The objective of this study was to systematically review and analyse studies assessing the prevalence and incidence of dermatitis, including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) related to MDs used in patients with T1D and to compare referral routes and the clinical investigation routines between clinics being part of the European Environmental and Contact Dermatitis Research Group (EECDRG). A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Cochrane databases of full-text studies reporting incidence and prevalence of dermatitis in persons with T1D using MDs was conducted until December 2021. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. The inventory performed at EECRDG clinics focused on referral routes, patient numbers and the diagnostic process. Among the 3145 screened abstracts, 39 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Sixteen studies included data on children only, 14 studies were on adults and nine studies reported data on both children and adults. Participants were exposed to a broad range of devices. Skin reactions were rarely specified. It was found that both the diagnostic process and referral routes differ in different centres. Further data on the prevalence of skin reactions related to MDs in individuals with T1D is needed and particularly studies where the skin reactions are correctly diagnosed. A correct diagnosis is delayed or hampered by the fact that, at present, the actual substances within the MDs are not declared, are changed without notice and the commercially available test materials are not adequately updated. Within Europe, routines for referral should be made more standardized to improve the diagnostic procedure when investigating patients with possible ACD from MDs.

Long-Term Benefits of an Integrated Continuous Glucose Monitoring and Insulin Pump System for Emergency Admissions, Hospitalization, and Metabolic Control in a Cohort of People With Diabetes: Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

There is evidence in the literature that the use of sensor-augmented insulin pumps in patients with high-complexity diabetes improves metabolic control. However, there is no long-term information on clinical outcomes such as hospitalization or admission to the emergency room. This study describes outcomes for metabolic control, incidence of hospitalizations, and emergency room visits in a specific population using this technology.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess long-term glycemic and clinical outcomes after the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring in people with diabetes.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out in patients with diabetes previously treated with an intensive insulin regimen at a specialized diabetes treatment center who required a sensor-augmented insulin pump due to nonoptimal glycemic control. Glycated hemoglobin, severe hypoglycemic episodes, nonsevere hypoglycemic episodes, perception of hypoglycemia, and the incidence of emergency room visits and hospitalizations before and after treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between January 2013 and August 2020, 74 patients with a median age of 36 (IQR 27-46) years were included in the study with a median 4 (IQR 2-7) years of follow-up. We found a statistically significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin (8.35% vs 7%; P<.001), nonsevere hypoglycemic episodes (71/74, 96% vs 62/74, 84%; P=.01), emergency room visits (42/73, 58% vs 4/62, 6%; P<.001), and hospitalizations (36/72, 50% vs 10/72, 14%; P<.001) after use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a sensor-augmented insulin pump associated with a strict follow-up program for patients with high-complexity diabetes led to a significant and sustained reduction in glycated hemoglobin and hypoglycemic episodes, as well as in the rate of emergency room visits and hospitalizations. These results encourage the adoption of this technology in patients who do not achieve metabolic control with optimal management of diabetes.

Use of continuous glucose monitors in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

AIMS

The use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) has been shown to have positive impact on diabetes management for people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) in high-income countries. However, as useful as CGMs are, the experience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited and has not been summarized.

METHODS

A scoping review of the scientific literature was conducted. Medline, Embase, Global Health and Scopus were used to seek original research conducted in LMICs. The search results were screened by two reviewers independently. We included studies assessing health outcomes following the use of CGMs at the individual level (e.g. glycaemic control or complications) and at the health system level (e.g. barriers, facilitators and cost-effectiveness) in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. Results were summarized narratively.

RESULTS

From 4772 records found in database search, 27 reports were included; most of them from China (n = 7), Colombia (n = 5) and India (n = 4). Thirteen reports studied T1DM, five T2DM, seven both T1DM and T2DM and two GDM. Seven reports presented results of experimental studies (five randomized trials and two quasi-experimental); two on cost-effective analysis and the remaining 18 were observational. Studies showed that CGMs improved surrogate glycaemic outcomes (HbA_1c reduction), hard endpoints (lower hospitalization rates and diabetes complications) and patient-oriented outcomes (quality of life). However, several caveats were identified: mostly observational studies, few participants in trials, short follow-up and focused on surrogate outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The scoping review identified that studies about CGMs in LMICs have several limitations. Stronger study designs, appropriate sample sizes and the inclusion of patient-important outcomes should be considered to inform the evidence about CGMs for the management of people with diabetes in LMICs.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Management: Updates and Challenges for Specific Patient Population

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common hyperglycemic emergency and causes the greatest risk for death that could be prevented in patients with diabetes mellitus. DKA occurs more commonly among patients with type-1 diabetes with a thirty percent of the cases take place in patients with type 2 diabetes. DKA is characterized by sever hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis and ketosis. Proper management of DKA requires hospitalization for aggressive replacement and monitoring of fluids, electrolytes and insulin therapy. Management of DKA has been updated with guidelines, to help standardize care, and reduce mortality and morbidity. The major precipitating factors for DKA include new diagnosis of diabetes, non-adherence to insulin therapy as well as infection in patients with diabetes. Discharge plans should include appropriate selection of insulin dosing and regimens as well as patient education to prevent recurrence of DKA. Further, definition and management of euglycemic DKA in patients prescribed sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are discussed. Special consideration is reviewed for specific patient population including pregnancy, renal replacement, acute pancreatitis, and insulin pump users as well as patients with COVID-19.

The effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program for glycemic control and adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program (CDP) in terms of glycemic control, adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP).

METHODS

We compared diabetes control before and 6 months after CDP. The program was based on disease management using a logical model dealing with the following: case management, education and coaching, nutritional assessment, and mental health.

RESULTS

The CDP improved glycemic control, HbA1c decreased by 0.56% (p-value=0.004; 95% CI: 0.14-0.98) and 19.1% of the patients reached the HbA1c goal without hypoglycemia. The CDP reduced by 52.4% the indication for SAP due to better glycemic control (36.4%) or non-adherence issues (63.6%); the remaining 47.6% persisted with poor glycemic control despite good adherence and were scaled to SAP. Among the 30 suitable candidates for SAP therapy, 60% did not reach the HbA1c goal and 40% had either hypoglycemic episodes (severe or persistent) or dawn phenomenon. The overall non-adherence rate was 33.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

CDP optimized the selection of suitable candidates for SAP by improving glycemic control and identifying adherence issues early. These results provide evidence of the impact of the implementation of patient selection and educational protocols in the real-life setting of a highly experienced clinic.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP) in addition to a comprehensive diabetes program on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and the hospital admission rate in patients with type 1 diabetes under real-world settings during a 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

This was a retrospective real-life study comparing diabetes control before and after SAP therapy initiation. Patients ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes were included. They were followed for 2 years with clinical assessments at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Effectiveness was estimated by difference in medians of HbA1c from baseline and at each follow-up visit. Safety was assessed by comparing the annual rates of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crisis, and hospital admission related to diabetes.

RESULTS

162 patients were included, median age 32 years, women 73%). The main indication for SAP was poor metabolic control (51.2%). At 2 years HbA1c decreased from 8.4% to 7.5% (-0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.2; p<0.0001), HbA1c ≤7% improved from 14.2% to 25.3% (11.1%, 95% CI: 19.7-2.5; p=0.006), and severe hypoglycemia decreased from 22.2% to 14.1% (-8.1%, 95% CI: -16.5 to 0.3; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

SAP therapy improved glycemic control after the third month of use and for up to 2 years of follow-up, with lower rates of hospital admission and severe hypoglycemia. More studies are needed to assess the add-on impact of education programs and technologies for diabetes care.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline: The Use of Advanced Technology in the Management of Persons With Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of advanced technology in the management of persons with diabetes mellitus to clinicians, diabetes-care teams, health care professionals, and other stakeholders.

METHODS

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE) conducted literature searches for relevant articles published from 2012 to 2021. A task force of medical experts developed evidence-based guideline recommendations based on a review of clinical evidence, expertise, and informal consensus, according to established AACE protocol for guideline development.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes of interest included hemoglobin A1C, rates and severity of hypoglycemia, time in range, time above range, and time below range.

RESULTS

This guideline includes 37 evidence-based clinical practice recommendations for advanced diabetes technology and contains 357 citations that inform the evidence base.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were developed regarding the efficacy and safety of devices for the management of persons with diabetes mellitus, metrics used to aide with the assessment of advanced diabetes technology, and standards for the implementation of this technology.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced diabetes technology can assist persons with diabetes to safely and effectively achieve glycemic targets, improve quality of life, add greater convenience, potentially reduce burden of care, and offer a personalized approach to self-management. Furthermore, diabetes technology can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical decision-making. Successful integration of these technologies into care requires knowledge about the functionality of devices in this rapidly changing field. This information will allow health care professionals to provide necessary education and training to persons accessing these treatments and have the required expertise to interpret data and make appropriate treatment adjustments.

The effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program for glycemic control and adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate the effectiveness of a comprehensive diabetes program (CDP) in terms of glycemic control, adherence, and the selection of candidates for sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP).

METHODS

We compared diabetes control before and 6 months after CDP. The program was based on disease management using a logical model dealing with the following: case management, education and coaching, nutritional assessment, and mental health.

RESULTS

The CDP improved glycemic control, HbA1c decreased by 0.56% (p-value=0.004; 95% CI: 0.14-0.98) and 19.1% of the patients reached the HbA1c goal without hypoglycemia. The CDP reduced by 52.4% the indication for SAP due to better glycemic control (36.4%) or non-adherence issues (63.6%); the remaining 47.6% persisted with poor glycemic control despite good adherence and were scaled to SAP. Among the 30 suitable candidates for SAP therapy, 60% did not reach the HbA1c goal and 40% had either hypoglycemic episodes (severe or persistent) or dawn phenomenon. The overall non-adherence rate was 33.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

CDP optimized the selection of suitable candidates for SAP by improving glycemic control and identifying adherence issues early. These results provide evidence of the impact of the implementation of patient selection and educational protocols in the real-life setting of a highly experienced clinic.

Effect of Insulin Pump Use on Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Matched Cohort Study

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a well-known complication of diabetes mellitus with a significantly high mortality if not immediately and properly treated. Therefore, strategies for prevention of DKA are ever so important when managing diabetes mellitus, especially in the non-compliant patient population. Previously studies have suggested insulin pump use to carry an increased risk of DKA compared to insulin injections, while European studies suggest the opposite. We aimed to perform a retrospective cohort study to determine the risk of DKA in insulin pump versus injection in the United States. Methods: We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project National Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) 2017 database, which represents a 20% sample of all payer hospitalizations in the United States. These hospitalizations were systematically selected by the Agency for Healthcare Resources and Quality (AHRQ) and we included all type 1 diabetes mellitus patients over the age of 18 who were on insulin, either pump or injections, in our study. Results: We found a total of 58,260 admissions for patients with type 1 DM. Of these, 7850 had insulin pump, 30,672 used insulin injection, and 19,738 had no prior insulin use. We found that insulin pump use, compared to injections, failed to predict a lower incidence of DKA in hospitalized patients. Conclusion: Although several studies from European countries have found a reduction of DKA risk with insulin pump use, in this study we found no clear significant difference in a United States-based study. While this may be possible due to different legislating and regulation organizations, further studies are warranted to further evaluate the benefit of either insulin dispensing modality.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes: Long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy (SAP) in addition to a comprehensive diabetes program on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, and the hospital admission rate in patients with type 1 diabetes under real-world settings during a 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

This was a retrospective real-life study comparing diabetes control before and after SAP therapy initiation. Patients ≥18 years old with type 1 diabetes were included. They were followed for 2 years with clinical assessments at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24. Effectiveness was estimated by difference in medians of HbA1c from baseline and at each follow-up visit. Safety was assessed by comparing the annual rates of severe hypoglycemia, hyperglycemic crisis, and hospital admission related to diabetes.

RESULTS

162 patients were included, median age 32 years, women 73%). The main indication for SAP was poor metabolic control (51.2%). At 2 years HbA1c decreased from 8.4% to 7.5% (-0.9%, 95% CI: 0.5-1.2; p<0.0001), HbA1c ≤7% improved from 14.2% to 25.3% (11.1%, 95% CI: 19.7-2.5; p=0.006), and severe hypoglycemia decreased from 22.2% to 14.1% (-8.1%, 95% CI: -16.5 to 0.3; p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

SAP therapy improved glycemic control after the third month of use and for up to 2 years of follow-up, with lower rates of hospital admission and severe hypoglycemia. More studies are needed to assess the add-on impact of education programs and technologies for diabetes care.

Improvement of metabolic control after 3-month use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring in patients with type 1 diabetes: a multicenter study in Greece

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of a real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) system added to insulin pump therapy for 3 months, in sub-optimally controlled adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

METHODS

This was a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized, post-market release study. A total of 43 adult patients with T1D on insulin pump therapy and inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c > 7.0%) participated in the study. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline HbA1c levels. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the impact of the RT-CGM system on glucose variability, daily insulin requirements, and the frequency of hypoglycemic and ketoacidosis events.

RESULTS

At 3 months, the baseline HbA1c values decreased from 8.0 (7.6, 8.7) to 7.1 (6.7, 8.0) % (p < 0.001). Nineteen participants (44.2%) had a posttreatment HbA1c level ≤ 7%. Average total daily insulin requirements, as well as the average number of insulin boluses per day, increased significantly after the use of the RT-CGM system. The number of hypoglycemic events recorded did not differ between the first week and last week of RT-CGM usage, while no severe hypoglycemic episodes, ketoacidosis events, or hospitalizations related to diabetes occurred during the 3-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Addition of a RT-CGM system to insulin pump therapy for 3 months in inadequately controlled patients with T1D resulted in improved HbA1c levels, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemic events.

Artificial Pancreas as an Effective and Safe Alternative in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Insulin injection is the main treatment in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Even though continuous glucose monitoring has significantly improved the conditions of these patients, limitations still exist. To further enhance glucose control in patients with T1DM, an artificial pancreas has been developed. We aimed to systematically compare artificial pancreas with its control group during a 24-h basis in patients with T1DM.

METHODS

Electronic databases were carefully searched for English publications comparing artificial pancreas with its control group. Overall daytime and nighttime glucose parameters were considered as the endpoints. Data were evaluated by means of weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) generated by RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total number of 354 patients were included. Artificial pancreas significantly maintained a better mean concentration of glucose (WMD - 1.03, 95% CI - 1.32 to - 0.75; P = 0.00001). Time spent in the hypoglycemic phase was also significantly lower (WMD - 1.23, 95% CI - 1.56 to - 0.91; P = 0.00001). Daily insulin requirement also significantly favored artificial pancreas (WMD - 3.43, 95% CI - 4.27 to - 2.59; P = 0.00001). Time spent outside the euglycemic phase and hyperglycemia phase (glucose > 10.0 mmol/L) also significantly favored artificial pancreas. Also, the numbers of hypoglycemic events were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

Artificial pancreas might be considered an effective and safe alternative to be used during a 24-h basis in patients with T1DM.