Improvement in Psychosocial Outcomes in Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Their Parents Following Subsidy for Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Information needs on type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and its management in children and adolescents: a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore the information needs related to insulin therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from the children's perspectives as well as their caregivers.

DESIGN

Qualitative study; semistructured interviews. To identify emerging themes relating to information needs, open coding and thematic analysis were employed.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from a tertiary care children's hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and a specialist hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty one children with a mean age of 11.5 years (SD=1.9) and their caregivers were interviewed. Seventeen participants were from Malaysia and 14 were from Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

Four themes of information emerged from the interviews, including information related to (1) hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia, (2) insulin therapy, (3) injection technique and (4) other information needs pertaining to continuous glucose monitoring, access to peer groups and future advances in insulin therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study provided valuable insights into the information needs related to T1DM and insulin therapy among children and adolescents with T1DM that should be considered by stakeholders in the development of age-appropriate education materials. Such materials will assist children and adolescents to better manage their life-long T1DM condition from adolescence until adulthood.

Impact of continuous glucose monitoring on everyday life of young children with type 1 diabetes and their parents: An evaluation of 114 families

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes is increasing worldwide. The advent of new monitoring devices has enabled tighter glycemic control.

AIM

To study the impact of glucose monitoring devices on the everyday life of young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their parents.

METHODS

A questionnaire was addressed to parents of children with T1D under the age of 6 years with an insulin pump treated in one of the hospitals of the ADIM network in France between January and July 2020.

RESULTS

Among the 114 families included in the study, 53% of parents (26/49) woke up every night to monitor blood glucose levels when their child had flash glucose monitoring (FGM), compared with 23% (13/56) of those whose child had continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Overall, 81% of parents (86/108) found that glucose monitoring improved their own sleep and parents whose child had CGM were significantly more likely to report improved sleep (86% vs 73%, p = 0.006). Forty-nine percent of parents (55/113) declared that they (in 87% of cases, the mother only) had reduced their working hours or stopped working following their child's T1D diagnosis. Maternal unemployment was significantly associated with the presence of siblings (p = 0.001) but not with glycemic control (p = 0,87). Ninety-eight percent of parents (105/107) think that glucose monitoring improves school integration.

CONCLUSION

In these families of children with T1D, new diabetes technologies reduced the burden of care but sleep disruption remained common. Social needs evaluation, particularly of mothers, is important at initial diagnosis of T1D in children.

'Much more convenient, just as effective': Experiences of starting continuous glucose monitoring remotely following Type 1 diabetes diagnosis

AIM

Initiating continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) shortly after Type 1 diabetes diagnosis has glycaemic and quality of life benefits for youth with Type 1 diabetes and their families. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to a rapid shift to virtual delivery of CGM initiation visits. We aimed to understand parents' experiences receiving virtual care to initiate CGM within 30 days of diagnosis.

METHODS

We held focus groups and interviews using a semi-structured interview guide with parents of youth who initiated CGM over telehealth within 30 days of diagnosis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Questions aimed to explore experiences of starting CGM virtually. Groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Participants were 16 English-speaking parents (age 43 ± 6 years; 63% female) of 15 youth (age 9 ± 4 years; 47% female; 47% non-Hispanic White, 20% Hispanic, 13% Asian, 7% Black, 13% other). They described multiple benefits of the virtual visit including convenient access to high-quality care; integrating Type 1 diabetes care into daily life; and being in the comfort of home. A minority experienced challenges with virtual care delivery; most preferred the virtual format. Participants expressed that clinics should offer a choice of virtual or in-person to families initiating CGM in the future.

CONCLUSION

Most parents appreciated receiving CGM initiation education via telehealth and felt it should be an option offered to all families. Further efforts can continue to enhance CGM initiation teaching virtually to address identified barriers.

Related factors associated with fear of hypoglycemia in parents of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes - A systematic review

PROBLEM

Fear of hypoglycemia is a significant concern for parents of children/ adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Although some studies have explained the parental fear of hypoglycemia, the related factors were yet to be determined. This systematic review aims to identify the related factors of fear of hypoglycemia in the parents of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and provide a theoretical basis for further intervention.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched from 2010 to 2021. Studies evaluating the fear of hypoglycemia of parents and its associated factors were included.

SAMPLE

Twenty-three observational articles met the criteria.

RESULTS

Significant associations were found between fear of hypoglycemia and specific factors, including motherhood, nocturnal hypoglycemia, and the number of blood glucose monitoring. Psychological factors, including anxiety, depression, pediatric parenting stress, mindfulness, self-efficacy, quality of life, and sleep disorders, were conclusive and associations with parental fear of hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding parental fear of hypoglycemia can help parents prevent potential problems in diabetes management, thus promoting children's growth. According to current evidence, effective targeted interventions based on modifiable relevant factors can be developed to reduce the fear of hypoglycemia in parents while maintaining optimal blood glucose control in children/ adolescents.

IMPLICATIONS

Health professionals should pay more attention to the mental health of parents, and parents should be involved in the care plan and have the opportunity to discuss their fear of hypoglycemia in the most appropriate way to manage type 1 diabetes.

Impact of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring with alarms on sleep and metabolic outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

Data about sleep quality and quantity are not available in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM). We questioned whether the isCGM with alarms could fragment sleep in patients and parents, compared to isCGM without alarms.

METHODS

A prospective, observational study including 47 child-adolescents with T1D who had experience with isCGM without alarms (Freestyle Libre 1-FSL1). They were asked to wear the isCGM with alarms (Freestyle Libre 2-FSL2) for 14 days. Patients enrolled and their caregiver (s), during a 14 day period with FSL1 and the following 14 days with FSL2, completed psychosocial and sleep-related questionnaires. Furthermore they wore an actigraph that was downloaded to a web platform and processed by the validated and certified algorithm "Dormi^®."

RESULTS

By the switch to the alarmed FSL2 we found about a 5% increase in Time In Range (from 62.5 to 67.8%), a reduction in time spent in hypoglycemia, number of weekly hypoglycemic events, and coefficient of variation. We did not find significant differences in sleep parameters in patients and their parents; therefore, alarms did not worsen the duration and quality of sleep. A significant improvement in the Quality of Life was perceived by parents using FSL2.

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction of alarms in isCGM systems gives, in the short term, an improvement in metabolic control in terms of time in range and reduction in hypoglycemia, without worsening duration and quality of sleep, measured by actigraphy, in children-adolescent and their parents.

Friend or Foe: a Narrative Review of the Impact of Diabetes Technology on Sleep

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to present a review of sleep science, the relationship between sleep and type 1 diabetes, and highlight the current literature on sleep outcomes in adult and pediatric diabetes technology research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Sleep quality is associated with glycemic outcomes, diabetes self-management, and mental health in people with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes technologies, including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and hybrid closed-loop systems improve glycemic outcomes. However, many people find this technology challenging for a variety of reasons, including increased burden and frequent alarms, especially during the night. The impact of different devices on sleep quality and quantity has been mixed. The newest technology, the hybrid closed-loop systems, offers the best opportunity for nocturnal glycemic regulation and has improved patient and family perspectives on sleep quality. However, objective sleep assessment has not shown significant improvement on sleep duration. Sleep quality and quantity in people with type 1 diabetes are widely recognized as an important component of health care, and the literature regarding the impact of diabetes devices on sleep is increasing. However, sleep disruptions are common and a barrier to device use. Despite finding minimal changes to sleep duration with device use, subjective accounts of sleep quality are overall positive, especially in those using hybrid closed-loop systems. Sleep quantity and quality are important outcomes to consider as diabetes technology continues to evolve.

The attitudes, experiences, and self-competencies of pediatric endocrinology fellows and attending physicians regarding diabetes technology: the Turkey experience

BACKGROUND

Unlike in Western countries, the use of diabetes technologies has been limited in Turkey, or at least until the last few years. This low adoption frequency may be attributed to the lack of experience of pediatric diabetes teams in working with new technologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes, experiences and self-efficacies of pediatric endocrinology fellows and attending physicians in terms of use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems.

METHODS

The questionnaire used in this study consisted of 63 questions including 10 questions evaluating the demographic characteristics and experience of the participants, 33 Likert-type questions related to self-competency, 17 yes/no questions and 3 open-ended questions which evaluated attitudes towards our study area. This questionnaire was e-mailed to pediatric endocrinology fellows and attending physicians working in Turkey.

RESULTS

A total of 24 fellows and 28 attending physicians working in the field of pediatric endocrinology participated in the survey. Of the respondents, 61% reported that there was no formal training curriculum regarding diabetes technology at their institutions. The mean scores obtained from the Likert scale questions measuring self-competency in using CSII and CGM were 3.8 and 3.3 out of 5, respectively. Of the respondents, 55% judged themselves to be under-skilled in interpreting pump reports while 39% of the respondents reported themselves as being under-skilled in interpreting CGM reports.

CONCLUSIONS

While it is true that training programs for using diabetes technology have been established by the National Pediatric Endocrinology Association in Turkey, the development of a specific curriculum for institutions that provide pediatric endocrinology fellowship training in this framework will increase the self-confidence of pediatric endocrinologists in this matter and this will ultimately contribute to the improvement of the metabolic control of children with diabetes.

Practical aspects of diabetes technology use: Continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery systems

There have been tremendous advances in diabetes technology in the last decade. Continuous glucose monitors (CGM), insulin pumps, and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems aim to improve glycemic control while simultaneously decreasing the burden of diabetes management. Although diabetes technologies have been shown to decrease both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and to improve health-related quality of life in individuals with type 1 diabetes, the impact of these devices in individuals with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is less clear. There are unique aspects of CFRD, including the different underlying pathophysiology and unique lived health care experience and comorbidities, that likely affect the use, efficacy, and uptake of diabetes technology in this population. Small studies suggest that CGM is accurate and may be helpful in guiding insulin therapy for individuals with CFRD. Insulin pump use has been linked to improvements in lean body mass and hemoglobin A1c among adults with CFRD. A recent pilot study highlighted the promise of AID systems in this population. This article provides an overview of practical aspects of diabetes technology use and device limitations that clinicians must be aware of in caring for individuals with CF and CFRD. Cost and limited insurance coverage remain significant barriers to wider implementation of diabetes technology use among patients with CFRD. Future studies exploring strategies to improve patient and CF provider education about these devices and studies showing the effectiveness of these technologies on health and patient-reported outcomes may lead to improved insurance coverage and increased rates of uptake and sustained use of these technologies in the CFRD community.

Universal Subsidized Continuous Glucose Monitoring Funding for Young People With Type 1 Diabetes: Uptake and Outcomes Over 2 Years, a Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is increasingly used in type 1 diabetes management; however, funding models vary. This study determined the uptake rate and glycemic outcomes following a change in national health policy to introduce universal subsidized CGM funding for people with type 1 diabetes aged <21 years.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Longitudinal data from 12 months before the subsidy until 24 months after were analyzed. Measures and outcomes included age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia, insulin regimen, CGM uptake, and percentage CGM use. Two data sources were used: the Australasian Diabetes Database Network (ADDN) registry (a prospective diabetes database) and the National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) registry that includes almost all individuals with type 1 diabetes nationally.

RESULTS

CGM uptake increased from 5% presubsidy to 79% after 2 years. After CGM introduction, the odds ratio (OR) of achieving the HbA1c target of <7.0% improved at 12 months (OR 2.5, P < 0.001) and was maintained at 24 months (OR 2.3, P < 0.001). The OR for suboptimal glycemic control (HbA1c ≥9.0%) decreased to 0.34 (P < 0.001) at 24 months. Of CGM users, 65% used CGM >75% of time, and had a lower HbA1c at 24 months compared with those with usage <25% (7.8 ± 1.3% vs. 8.6 ± 1.8%, respectively, P < 0.001). Diabetic ketoacidosis was also reduced in this group (incidence rate ratio 0.49, 95% CI 0.33-0.74, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Following the national subsidy, CGM use was high and associated with sustained improvement in glycemic control. This information will inform economic analyses and future policy and serve as a model of evaluation diabetes technologies.

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

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

Fear of hypoglycemia and quality of life in young people with type 1 diabetes and their parents in the era of sensor glucose monitoring

INTRODUCTION

It is crucial to understand psychosocial outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families to provide optimal family-centered care. Hence, the aim of this study was to explore psychosocial outcomes in young people with T1D and their parents using currently available glucose monitoring devices in a real-life clinic setting.

METHODS

Children and adolescents aged 2-18 years with T1D for more than 6 months and their parents were recruited into a cross-sectional study to complete the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey (HFS) and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Score Scales, Diabetes Module and Family Impact Module. Demographics and diabetes-specific parameters were obtained from medicals records.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine children and adolescents (mean age 15.1 ± 3.0 years) and 49 parents of children (mean age of children 12.5± 3.3 years) of which 44 were child-parent dyads completed the questionnaires. Parents had a higher mean (SD) FOH total and worry subscore than children, total score was 37.9 (14.6) vs. 32.2 (11.9), p = 0.047 and worry subscore was 17.8 (10.4) vs. 12.8 (9.0), p = 0.01. Furthermore, lower parental diabetes-specific QoL score was observed in parents, 78.8 (12.2) vs. 82.7 (10.3), p=0.02. No difference in FOH and QoL between real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) and intermittently scanned glucose monitoring (isCGM) users and users of devices with and without alerts was observed. In isCGM users (n=36 completing the child questionnaires, n=33 completing parent questionnaires), higher parental FOH and lower parental diabetes-specific QoL correlated with higher scanning frequency, r = 0.399, p = 0.021, and r = -0.464, p = 0.007 respectively. No significant correlation was documented between scanning frequency and child questionnaire scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents are more likely to perceive higher levels of psychosocial burden related to their child's diabetes than children and adolescents with T1D, especially parents of younger children. This highlights the need for family-based education and treatment resources to support parents in diabetes management in addition to rapidly advancing diabetes technology. In isCGM users, higher parental FOH and lower parent-perceived QoL correlated with a higher scanning frequency, indicating the potential impact of glucose monitoring modality on psychosocial outcomes or vice versa.

Effect of nationwide reimbursement of real-time continuous glucose monitoring on HbA1c, hypoglycemia and quality of life in a pediatric type 1 diabetes population: The RESCUE-pediatrics study

OBJECTIVE

Real-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) can improve metabolic control and quality of life (QoL), but long-term real-world data in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are scarce. Over a period of 24 months, we assessed the impact of RT-CGM reimbursement on glycemic control and QoL in children/adolescents with T1D treated with insulin pumps.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter prospective observational study. Primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c. Secondary endpoints included change in time in hypoglycemia, QoL, hospitalizations for hypoglycemia and/or ketoacidosis and absenteeism (school for children, work for parents).

RESULTS

Between December 2014 and February 2019, 75 children/adolescents were followed for 12 (n = 62) and 24 months (n = 50). Baseline HbA1c was 7.2 ± 0.7% (55 ± 8mmol/mol) compared to 7.1 ± 0.8% (54 ± 9mmol/mol) at 24 months (p = 1.0). Participants with a baseline HbA1c ≥ 7.5% (n = 27, mean 8.0 ± 0.3%; 64 ± 3mmol/mol) showed an improvement at 4 months (7.6 ± 0.7%; 60 ± 8mmol/mol; p = 0.009) and at 8 months (7.5 ± 0.6%; 58 ± 7mmol/mol; p = 0.006), but not anymore thereafter (endpoint 24 months: 7.7 ± 0.9%; 61 ± 10mmol/mol; p = 0.2). Time in hypoglycemia did not change over time. QoL for parents and children remained stable. Need for assistance by ambulance due to hypoglycemia reduced from 8 to zero times per 100 patient-years (p = 0.02) and work absenteeism for parents decreased from 411 to 214 days per 100 patient-years (p = 0.03), after 24 months.

CONCLUSION

RT-CGM in pump-treated children/adolescents with T1D showed a temporary improvement in HbA1c in participants with a baseline HbA1c ≥ 7.5%, without increasing time in hypoglycemia. QoL was not affected. Importantly, RT-CGM reduced the need for assistance by ambulance due to hypoglycemia and reduced work absenteeism for parents after 24 months.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02601729].

Long-term Occupational Consequences for Families of Children With Type 1 Diabetes: The Mothers Take the Burden

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the occupational and financial consequences for parents following the onset of type 1 diabetes in their child.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A questionnaire assessing occupational and financial situations before and in the first year after the onset of diabetes was distributed to all families with a child ≤14 years of age at diagnosis with a diabetes duration of at least 12 months in nine German pediatric diabetes centers.

RESULTS

Data of 1,144 children (mean age at diagnosis 6.7 [3.6] years; 46.5% female) and their families were obtained. Mothers' occupational status reflected in paid working hours was significantly reduced in the first year after their child's diabetes diagnosis (P < 0.001). Overall, 15.1% of mothers stopped working, and 11.5% reduced working hours. Mothers of preschool children were particularly affected. Fathers' working status hardly changed (P = 0.75). Nearly half of the families (46.4%) reported moderate to severe financial losses. Compared with an earlier similar study in 2003, significant negative occupational consequences for mothers and financial burden on families remained unchanged in 2018 (P = 0.59 and 0.31, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers of young children with newly diagnosed diabetes experienced negative consequences in their occupational situation. This inequality for mothers can have long-term negative consequences for their mental health and future economic situation. There is an urgent need for action to reduce the burden on families and to provide professional, social, and regulatory support, especially for mothers of young children with diabetes.

Real-World Studies Support Use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Independently of Treatment Regimen

Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated the glycemic benefits of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes. Although RCTs remain the gold standard clinical study design, findings from these trials do not necessarily reflect the effectiveness of CGM or reveal the feasibility and wider applications for use in broader real-life settings. This review evaluates recent real-world evidence (RWE) demonstrating the value of CGM to improve clinical outcomes, such as avoidance of severe hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic crises, and improved measures of psychological health and quality of life. Additionally, this review considers recent RWE for the role of CGM to enhance health care resource utilization, including prediction of T1D and applications in gestational diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and monitoring during surgery.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Integration for Remote Diabetes Management: Virtual Diabetes Care with Case Studies

Use of telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies can significantly improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Patients' ability to interact remotely with their health care providers via smartphones and other communication devices can increase their access to clinical care and online coaching and support programs. The establishment of metrics for clinical use of continuous glucose monitoring data and standardization of data reporting has enabled clinicians to maintain high-quality diabetes care through remote monitoring and telemedicine visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article discusses our experiences using remote monitoring and telemedicine visits during this time.

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

AIM

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

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

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

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

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

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

RECENT FINDINGS

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

The effects of continuous glucose monitoring system on patient outcomes and associated costs in a real-world setting

AIMS

Continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) technologies may alert unaware hypoglycaemia or near hypoglycaemia events. However, costs are a significant concern in general CGMS use. This study describes the real-world effects of both clinical outcomes and associated costs in a major Health Maintenance Organization, 1 year following preauthorization of CGMS for each patient.

METHODS

Cohort study. Type 1 diabetes patients who were preauthorized CGMS were identified, and their medical records during the year before preauthorization were compared to the following year. Data were collected for glucose control, medical services utilization and related costs.

RESULTS

We identified 524 eligible patients, 57% males. Adherence to CGMS use was improved by age. The proportion of patients reaching HbA_1c  < 7.5% (58 mmol/mol) increased in the high-adherence group and decreased in the low-adherence group. There were no significant changes in outpatient medical services utilization. However, there was a decrease in emergency room visit rates (30%-19%, p < 0.01) and hospitalization rates (22%-12%, p < 0.01) with the highest decrease among the high-adherence group. Hospitalization duration also decreased. However, the total costs per patient were higher as CGMS adherence increased.

CONCLUSION

Continuous glucose monitoring system technologies have the potential of both improving blood glucose control and reducing inpatient utilization. However, CGMS technologies costs may put a significant burden on healthcare systems.

Intermittently Scanned and Continuous Glucose Monitor Systems: A Systematic Review on Psychological Outcomes in Pediatric Patients

Aim: To explore the impact of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGMs) or intermittently scanned/viewed CGM (isCGM) on psychological outcomes in children and caregivers, and to grade the level of evidence. Method: Systematic review of the literature from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, Nursing reference center, Up to date, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO databases. The studies selected used validated questionnaires for investigating the psychological outcomes. We applied GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to rank the quality of a body of evidence. Results: A total of 192 studies were identified in the initial search and after the process of evaluation 25 studies were selected as appropriate to be included in this systematic review. We found in moderate quality studies that isCGM in adolescents can improve diabetes related distress, family conflicts, fear of hypoglycemia, and quality of life, while depression, anxiety, and quality of sleep have not yet been evaluated by validated questionnaires. In moderate-high quality studies, rtCGM technology does not impact on diabetes burden, diabetes specific family conflict, and depressive symptoms. The effect on fear of hypoglycemia, sleep quality, and anxiety is still debated and RCT studies powered to find significant results in psychological outcomes are lacking. RtCGM increases satisfaction and quality of life in parents and patients wearing rtCGM. Conclusion: these data present an interesting point to consider when families are deciding whether or not to start CGM use, choosing between rtCGM to reach a tighter metabolic control, or isCGM which allows greater benefits on psychological outcomes.

Monitoring of Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes

Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, and ketones when indicated, is an essential component of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management. Although fingerstick blood glucose monitoring has been the standard of care for decades, ongoing rapid technological developments have resulted in increasingly widespread use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). This article reviews recommendations for self-monitoring of glucose and ketones in pediatric T1D with particular emphasis on CGM and factors that impact the accuracy and real-world use of this technology.