Efficacy of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in type 1 diabetes: protocol of a systematic review and network meta-analysis of outpatient randomised controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

Automated insulin delivery (AID), also known as artificial pancreas system or 'closed-loop system', represents a novel option for current treatments for type 1 diabetes (T1D). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of AID systems in comparison with current intensified insulin therapy for glycaemic control and patient-reported outcomes in individuals with T1D.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Studies will be eligible if they are randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in people with T1D of all ages, and if they compare an AID system for self-administration during the day and night period with any other type of insulin therapy for at least 3 weeks. The primary outcome will be time in the glucose target range of 70-180 mg/dL. A systematic review will be conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov registries from their inception dates. Two authors will independently screen all references based on titles and abstracts against the eligibility criteria. For data extraction, standard forms will be developed and tested before extraction. All information will be assessed independently by at least two reviewers. The risk of bias of the included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. The data synthesis will include a random-effects pairwise and network meta-analysis (NMA) in a frequentist framework. Where applicable and if sufficient RCTs are available, sensitivity analyses will be performed, and heterogeneity and publication bias will be assessed. The certainty of evidence from the NMA will be evaluated following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation working group guidance.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethical approval is needed. The results will be reported to the funder, presented in a peer-reviewed scientific journal and at conferences, and disseminated via press release, social media and public events.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023395492.

Comparison of diabetes distress and depression screening results of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes onset at different ages: findings from the German early-onset T1D study and the German Diabetes Study (GDS)

BACKGROUND

Diabetes distress is increasingly considered one of the most important psychosocial issues in the care of people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We analyse whether diabetes distress and depression screening results of emerging adults are associated with the age at T1D onset.

METHODS

Data were taken from two cohort studies conducted at the German Diabetes Center, Düsseldorf, Germany. The 18-30-year-old participants had an age at onset either before the age of 5 years (childhood-onset long-term T1D study group, N = 749) or during adulthood (adult-onset short-term T1D study group from the German Diabetes Study (GDS), N = 163). Diabetes distress and depression screening were analysed by means of the 20-item Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID-20) scale and the nine-item depression module from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The average causal effect of age at onset was estimated by a doubly robust causal inference method.

RESULTS

The PAID-20 total scores were increased in the adult-onset study group [potential outcome mean (POM) 32.1 (95% confidence interval 28.0; 36.1) points] compared to the childhood-onset study group [POM 21.0 (19.6; 22.4) points, difference 11.1 (6.9; 15.3) points, p<0.001] adjusted for age, sex and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Moreover, more participants in the adult-onset group [POM 34.5 (24.9; 44.2) %] than in the childhood-onset group [POM 16.3 (13.3; 19.2) %] screened positive for diabetes distress [adjusted difference 18.3 (8.3; 28.2) %, p<0.001]. The PHQ-9 total score [difference 0.3 (-1.1; 1.7) points, p=0.660] and the proportion of participants with a positive screening result for depression [difference 0.0 (-12.7; 12.8) %, p=0.994] did not differ between the groups in the adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Emerging adults with short-term type 1 diabetes screened positive for diabetes distress more often than adults with type 1 diabetes onset during early childhood when age, sex and HbA1c values were considered confounding factors. Accounting for age at onset or the duration of diabetes may help explain the heterogeneity in the data when psychological factors are examined.

Overestimation and underestimation of youths' health-related quality of life are associated with youth and caregiver positive screens for depression: results of a population-based study among youths with longstanding type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze the extent and direction of disagreement between self- and proxy-reported quality of life (QoL) and the factors associated with QoL overestimation and underestimation by caregivers compared with self-reports.

METHODS

This study used data from population-based questionnaire surveys conducted in 2012-2013 and 2015-2016 with 11- to 17-year-olds with a duration of type 1 diabetes of 10 years or longer and their caregivers (n = 1058). QoL in youth was assessed via 10-item KIDSCREEN (KIDSCREEN-10) self- and proxy-reported questionnaires. The scores ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better QoL. Depression screening was performed via the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children for youths (CES-DC screen positive: score > 15) and WHO-5 Well-being Index for parents/caregivers (WHO-5 screen positive: score ≤ 50).

RESULTS

The mean self- and proxy-reported normalized KIDSCREEN-10 scores were 64.2 (standard deviation [SD] 11.4) and 66.1 (11.5), respectively. More caregivers overestimated (self-reported minus proxy-reported score < - 0.5*SD self-reported score) than underestimated (self-reported minus proxy-reported score > 0.5*SD self-reported score) youths' QoL (37% versus 23%, p < 0.001). Youths who screened positive for depression (18%) were at higher risk of their QoL being overestimated and lower risk of their QoL being underestimated by caregivers than youths who screened negative for depression (RR_{Overestimation} 1.30 [95% CI 1.10-1.52], RR_{Underestimation} 0.27 [0.15-0.50]). Caregivers who screened positive for depression (28%) overestimated the QoL of their children less often and underestimated the QoL of their children more often than caregivers who screened negative for depression (RR_{Overestimation} 0.73 [0.60-0.89], RR_{Underestimation} 1.41 [1.14-1.75]).

CONCLUSIONS

Caregivers often over- or underestimated their children's QoL. Positive screens for depression among both youths and caregivers contributed to the observed differences between self- and caregiver-reported QoL.

Screening for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and associated factors in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: Cross-sectional results of a Germany-wide population-based study

AIMS

The aims of this study were to screen 14- to 30-year-olds with early-onset type 1 diabetes for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and to compare the characteristics of the study participants who had a positive result for GAD with those who had a negative result.

METHODS

This study used data from a questionnaire survey conducted from 2018 to 2019. The GAD-7 questionnaire was used to screen for GAD (positive: GAD-7 score ≥ 10). All regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, depression diagnosis and considered multiple testing.

RESULTS

The 713 participants had a mean GAD-7 score of 4.32 (SD 4.18). A total of 12% of the study population (10% of adolescents, 13% of adults) was screened positive for GAD. Positive screening results were associated with impairments in various domains, such as self-assessed physical performance (RR _{poor versus good} 3.03 [95% CI 1.85-4.96]), difficulty falling asleep (RR _{≥3 times/week versus not during the last 4 weeks} 5.36 [2.86-10.07]), glycemic control (RR _{HbA1c per 1%} 1.16 [1.03-1.31]), and diabetes treatment satisfaction (RR _{poor versus good} 2.67 [1.43-5.00]).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetologists should be aware that adolescents and young adults with GAD symptoms might experience extensive impairments in their daily lives.

Increased risk of impaired treatment satisfaction among girls/women and young people with suboptimal HbA1c: Results of a nationwide type 1 diabetes study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to analyze the patient-reported outcome (PRO) of treatment satisfaction in a sample of children, adolescents and young adults with long-duration type 1 diabetes and to determine potential risk factors for poor treatment satisfaction and the intraindividual changes over a 3-year period.

METHODS

This study used data from two population-based questionnaire surveys conducted in 2015-2016 and 2018-2019. The participants were 11 to 27 years old and had a type 1 diabetes duration of 10 years or longer in 2015-2016 (n = 575). Factors that were potentially associated with poor treatment satisfaction (moderate, poor or very poor) compared to the reference group (very good or good treatment satisfaction) were analyzed by log binomial regression adjusted for sex and age group.

RESULTS

In 2015-2016 (2018-2019), 26% (33%) of the respondents rated their diabetes treatment/consultation as "very good", 53% (46%) as "good", and 20% (21%) as "poor". Based on the 2018-2019 data, girls/women had an increased risk of poor treatment satisfaction (RR_girls/women: 1.64 (1.10; 2.44), p = 0.016). In addition, people with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values ≥ 7.5% had a more than twice the risk of poor treatment satisfaction than people with HbA1c values < 7.5% (RR_{HbA1c ≥7.5%}: 2.43 (1.63; 3.63), p < 0.001). A total of 42% of people with poor treatment satisfaction in 2015-2016 also reported poor treatment satisfaction at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Most study participants were satisfied with their diabetes treatment. However, we identified risk groups that would benefit from targeted interventions to improve this important PRO.

Correction to: Information needs in people with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors opted to revise Table 1. Below is the updated version of the table.

Diabetes distress in young adults with early-onset Type 1 diabetes and its prospective relationship with HbA1c and health status

AIM

This study aimed to determine cross-sectional relationships between diabetes distress and health-related variables, and prospective associations between diabetes distress and future glycaemic control (HbA_1c ) and health status among young adults with early-onset Type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Data were collected from a nationwide cohort study of adults whose Type 1 diabetes onset occurred from 0 to 4 years of age during 1993-2002. Questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2012-2013 and 2015-2016 (N = 584). Diabetes distress was assessed via the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale (0-100 points), depressive symptoms via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and health status via the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression analyses were applied to cross-sectional and longitudinal data.

RESULTS

In the cross-sectional analyses, higher PAID scale total scores (representing higher distress levels) were observed in women than in men and in participants with more severe depressive symptoms. PAID scores were lower in individuals with better physical and mental health. A 1 mmol/mol increase in HbA_1c was associated with a 0.28-point increase [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.20, 0.36] in diabetes distress. In longitudinal analyses adjusting for age, sex, socio-economic index and HbA_1c at baseline, a 10-point higher PAID score at baseline was associated with a 1.82 mmol/mol higher HbA_1c level (95% CI 0.43, 3.20) and a 2.48-point lower SF-12 mental health score (95% CI -3.55, -1.42) three years later.

CONCLUSIONS

The cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses results suggest that diabetes distress impairs health-related outcomes in young adults with early-onset diabetes.

Unterschiede in der Mahlzeitenhäufigkeit und Kohlenhydrataufnahme von Heranwachsenden mit Typ-1-Diabetes und stoffwechselgesunden Gleichaltrigen und Zusammenhang zur Stoffwechselkontrolle

Ziel Die Ernährung von Menschen mit Typ-1-Diabetes kann sich aufgrund von krankheitsbedingten Faktoren, die wiederum den Diabetesverlauf beeinflussen können, von der Ernährung gesunder Gleichaltriger unterscheiden. In dieser Querschnittsstudie wurden die Mahlzeitenhäufigkeit sowie die daraus resultierende Kohlenhydrataufnahme bei Heranwachsenden mit intensiv behandeltem Typ-1-Diabetes und stoffwechselgesunden Gleichaltrigen verglichen und Zusammenhänge mit der Stoffwechselkontrolle unter den Diabetespatienten analysiert.

Methoden Die Ernährungsdaten von 712 11- bis unter 19-Jährigen einer bundesweiten populationsbasierten Erhebung zum Verlauf des früh manifesten Typ-1-Diabetes (52,7 % männlich, Durchschnittsalter 15,6 Jahre) wurden mit 949 Ernährungsprotokollen von 296 stoffwechselgesunden Teilnehmern der DONALD Kohortenstudie (49,7 % männlich, Durchschnittsalter 14,4 Jahre) unter Anwendung linearer gemischter Modelle verglichen. Außerdem wurde der Zusammenhang zwischen der Mahlzeitenhäufigkeit und / oder dem Kohlenhydratverzehr mit der Stoffwechselkontrolle (HbA1c) mit Hilfe multipler linearer Regressionsmodelle analysiert.

Ergebnisse Nach einer umfassenden Adjustierung verzehrten die Diabetespatienten durchschnittlich 4,6 [95 %-Konfidenzintervall 3,6; 5,5] Mahlzeiten pro Woche mehr, jedoch 75,9 [64,5; 87,3] Gramm Kohlenhydrate pro Tag weniger als die Vergleichsgruppe. Die Häufigkeit des Frühstückens, Mittagessens, Abendessens und der Einnahme von Zwischenmahlzeiten war bei Patienten mit Diabetes höher, dagegen nahmen sie bei jeder Mahlzeit weniger Kohlenhydrate zu sich. Die Gesamt-Kohlenhydrataufnahme sowie die Aufnahme von Kohlenhydraten beim Frühstück waren mit höheren HbA1c-Werten verbunden, während eine erhöhte Frühstücksfrequenz mit niedrigeren HbA1c-Werten einherging.

Schlussfolgerung Es bestand ein Unterschied in der Mahlzeitenhäufigkeit und Kohlenhydrataufnahme von Heranwachsenden mit früh manifestem Typ-1-Diabetes und Gleichaltrigen ohne Diabetes. Die beobachteten Zusammenhänge mit der Stoffwechselkontrolle stellen das Konzept einer völlig liberalisierten Essfrequenz und Kohlenhydrataufnahme bei Patienten mit intensivierter Insulintherapie infrage.

Severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis in young persons with preschool onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus: An analysis of three nationwide population-based surveys

OBJECTIVES

To describe incidence rates and temporal trends of severe hypoglycemia (SH) and of hospitalizations for SH or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in persons with early-onset, long-term type 1 diabetes (T1D) and associations of these short-term complications with potential risk factors.

METHODS

This study includes data of 1,875 persons 11.2 to 21.9 years of age with early-onset (<5 years) and long-term (>10 years) T1D from 3 cross-sectional nationwide, population-based surveys conducted in 2009/2010, 2012/2013 and 2015/2016 using standardized questionnaires. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate incidence rates per 100 person-years (py), temporal trends and associations between potential risk factors and outcomes.

RESULTS

The crude incidence rate of SH showed a decreasing trend over time (P for trend = .004), disappearing after adjustment for confounders (P for trend = .341). In contrast, adjusted rates of SH- and DKA-associated hospitalizations did not change significantly between 2009 and 2016 (P for trend = .306 and .774, respectively). Associations between sex, diabetes duration, insulin treatment regimen, hypoglycemia awareness as well as physical activity and SH were found, while family structure was associated with hospitalizations for SH. Family structure, socioeconomic status (SES), diabetes duration, and hemoglobin A1c values showed associations with DKA-related hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

After adjustment, rates of SH and SH- or DKA-associated hospitalization showed no significant changes in recent years. Structured education programs focusing on high-risk groups as, for example, persons with T1D living with 1 biological parent and the parents' partner or those with a low SES, should be implemented to reduce incidence rates of hospitalizations.

Information needs in people with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyse currently available knowledge on information needs of people with diabetes mellitus, also considering possible differences between subgroups and associated factors.

METHODS

Twelve databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched up until June 2015. Publications that addressed self-reported information needs of people with diabetes mellitus were included. Each study was assessed by using critical appraisal tools, e.g. from the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Extraction and content analysis were performed systematically.

RESULTS

In total, 1993 publications were identified and 26 were finally included. Nine main categories of information needs were identified, including 'treatment-process', 'course of disease', 'abnormalities of glucose metabolism' and 'diabetes through the life cycle'. Differences between patient subgroups, such as type of diabetes or age, were sparsely analysed. Some studies analysed associations between information needs and factors such as participation preferences or information seeking. They found, for example, that information needs on social support or life tasks were associated with information seeking in Internet forums.

CONCLUSION

Information needs in people with diabetes mellitus, appear to be high, yet poorly investigated. Research is needed regarding differences between diverse diabetes populations, including gender aspects or changes in information needs during the disease course.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

The review protocol has been registered at Prospero ( CRD42015029610 ).

Regional differences in antihyperglycemic medication are not explained by individual socioeconomic status, regional deprivation, and regional health care services. Observational results from the German DIAB-CORE consortium

AIMS

This population-based study sought to extend knowledge on factors explaining regional differences in type 2 diabetes mellitus medication patterns in Germany.

METHODS

Individual baseline and follow-up data from four regional population-based German cohort studies (SHIP [northeast], CARLA [east], HNR [west], KORA [south]) conducted between 1997 and 2010 were pooled and merged with both data on regional deprivation and regional health care services. To analyze regional differences in any or newer anti-hyperglycemic medication, medication prevalence ratios (PRs) were estimated using multivariable Poisson regression models with a robust error variance adjusted gradually for individual and regional variables.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 1,437 people aged 45 to 74 years at baseline, (corresponding to 49 to 83 years at follow-up) with self-reported type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of receiving any anti-hyperglycemic medication was 16% higher in KORA (PR 1.16 [1.08-1.25]), 10% higher in CARLA (1.10 [1.01-1.18]), and 7% higher in SHIP (PR 1.07 [1.00-1.15]) than in HNR. The prevalence of receiving newer anti-hyperglycemic medication was 49% higher in KORA (1.49 [1.09-2.05]), 41% higher in CARLA (1.41 [1.02-1.96]) and 1% higher in SHIP (1.01 [0.72-1.41]) than in HNR, respectively. After gradual adjustment for individual variables, regional deprivation and health care services, the effects only changed slightly.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither comprehensive individual factors including socioeconomic status nor regional deprivation or indicators of regional health care services were able to sufficiently explain regional differences in anti-hyperglycemic treatment in Germany. To understand the underlying causes, further research is needed.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 activity in obese adolescents with and without type 2 diabetes

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) was identified as a strong predictor for cardiovascular events. Furthermore, it is highly associated with obesity. The role of Lp-PLA2 in diabetes mellitus is controversial and analyses, especially in adolescents with type 2 diabetes (T2D), are missing. Therefore, we compared Lp-PLA2 activity between two obese age-, sex-, and BMI-matched cohorts of adolescents with and without T2D. Relationships between Lp-PLA2 activity and age, BMI, hemoglobin A1c, lipids, and adipokines were evaluated. Lp-PLA2 activity was analyzed in serum of 72 obese adolescents without T2D (mean age 15.2 ± 1.6 years) and in 65 obese adolescents with T2D (mean age 15.5 ± 1.8 years). Clinical data were obtained from the Diabetes-Patienten-Verlaufsdokumentation (DPV) registry. Surprisingly, obese adolescents with T2D had lower levels of Lp-PLA2 activity than obese children without T2D (160.2 ± 45.0 versus 180.9 ± 35.6 nmol/min/ml, p = 0.003), but this decrease could only be detected in male (158.8 ± 45.3 versus 190.8 ± 31.3 nmol/min/ml, p < 0.001) and not in female adolescents (162.1 ± 45.5 versus 167.7 ± 37.1 nmol/min/ml, p = 0.60). In multiple linear regression analysis, differences in Lp-PLA2 activity between cohorts remained large and significant (ß-coefficient: -31.60, 95% confidence interval [-49.27;-13.93], p < 0.001). Furthermore, Lp-PLA2 activity was positively associated with BMI (ß-coefficient: 2.04 [0.68;3.40], p = 0.004) and negatively associated with the adipokines leptin (ß-coefficient: -0.53 [-0.89;-0.17], p = 0.004) and adiponectin (ß-coefficient: -3.06, [-5.63;-0.48], p = 0.02). Elevated mean glucose concentrations in adolescents with T2D were not associated with an increase but with a decrease of Lp-PLA2 activity. Hence, in young patients with T2D the Lp-PLA2 activity as a risk predictor for cardiovascular events needs further investigation.

Impact of quality of life (QoL) on glycemic control (HbA1c) among adolescents and emerging adults with long-duration type 1 diabetes: A prospective cohort-study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of self-reported chronic-generic and condition-specific quality of life (QoL) on glycemic control among adolescents and emerging adults with long-duration type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a longitudinal design.

METHODS

The database used was a nationwide cohort study of patients with ≥10 years T1D duration at baseline in Germany. The baseline questionnaire survey was conducted in 2009-2010, the follow-up survey in 2012-2013; additional clinical data of routine care procedures were linked. QoL was assessed by the DISABKIDS chronic generic module (DCGM-12) and diabetes module (DM) with treatment and impact scales. Regression analyses were conducted for the outcome hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at follow up with baseline DISABKIDS scores as predictors and sociodemographic and health-related covariates.

RESULTS

At baseline, the included 560 patients had a mean age of 15.9 (SD 2.3) years, a diabetes duration of 13.0 (2.0) years, and an HbA1c of 67 (14.2) mmol/mol. Mean follow-up time was 3.0 (0.6) years. Univariate analyses indicated associations between baseline QoL scores and HbA1c at follow-up (β[DCGM-12] = -0.174 (SE 0.038), β[DM treatment] = -0.100 (0.022), β[DM impact] = -0.177 (0.030), p < .001). The associations remained significant after adjustment for sociodemographic and illness-related factors, but dissolved (p > .60) when additionally adjusting for baseline HbA1c. In patients with poor baseline HbA1c (>75 mmol/mol), significant associations were observed between DCGM-12 and DM impact scores and follow-up HbA1c (β[DCGM-12] = -0.144 (0.062), p = .021; β[DM impact] = -0.139 (0.048), p = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

QoL was inversely associated with HbA1c after 3 years in the course of T1D only in patients poorly controlled at baseline.

Assessment of information needs in diabetes: Development and evaluation of a questionnaire

AIM

To develop a questionnaire suitable for assessing the information needs of individuals with diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2 in diverse healthcare settings (e.g. primary care or long-term care) and at different time points during the course of the disease.

METHODS

The initial questionnaire was developed on the basis of literature search and analysis, reviewed by clinical experts, and evaluated in two focus groups. The revised version was pilot-tested on 39 individuals with diabetes type 2, type 1 and gestational diabetes.

RESULTS

The final questionnaire reveals the most important information needs in diabetes. A choice task, a rating task and open-ended questions are combined. First, participants have to choose three topics that interest them out of a list with 12 general topics and specify in their own words their particular information needs for the chosen topics. They are then asked how informed they feel with regard to all topics (4-point Likert-scale), and whether information is currently desired (yes/no). The questionnaire ends with an open-ended question asking for additional topics of interest.

CONCLUSIONS

Careful selection of topics and inclusion of open-ended questions seem to be essential prerequisites for the unbiased assessment of information needs. The questionnaire can be applied in surveys in order to examine patterns of information needs across various groups and changes during the course of the disease. Such knowledge would contribute to more patient-guided information, counselling and support.

Disordered eating and insulin restriction in youths receiving intensified insulin treatment: Results from a nationwide population-based study

OBJECTIVE

This Germany-wide population-based study sought to estimate the prevalence of disordered eating and insulin restriction (IR) among 819 youths aged 11-21 years with early-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D) and a disease duration of at least 10 years.

METHODS

All respondents answered the five-item SCOFF screening questionnaire for eating disorders (EDs) and reported on the frequency of IR and clinical outcomes. Screening for disordered eating was positive when more than two SCOFF items were answered affirmatively. Frequent IR was defined as IR occurring more than five times per week.

RESULTS

A total of 28.2%/9.2% of the female/male patients were SCOFF-positive without IR and 4.2%/5.3% reported frequent IR but were SCOFF-negative; 2.7%/1.9% screened positive for both disordered eating and IR. Patients with disordered eating, frequent IR, or both showed significantly worse glycemic control and partly more inpatient-treated diabetic ketoacidoses than patients who screened negative.

DISCUSSION

Approximately one in three female and one in six male patients with early-onset long-duration T1D reported disordered eating and/or frequent IR. Because of their association with worse outcomes, both disordered eating and IR should be considered in T1D care irrespective of sex, age at onset, and diabetes duration.

Insulin Pumps in Type 1 Diabetes with Mental Disorders: Real-Life Clinical Data Indicate Discrepancies to Recommendations

BACKGROUND

The latest American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinologists consensus statement published in 2014 does not recommend continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with mental health problems. This study investigated the use and discontinuation of CSII in daily routine care of type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients with or without comorbid mental disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Insulin-treated T1D patients (n = 48,700) between 5 and 30 years of age (median [interquartile range], 15.6 [12.0-17.7] years) from the German/Austrian diabetes patient follow-up registry (DPV) were studied. A comorbid diagnosis and/or specific treatment of mental disorder was documented in 3,158 (6.5%) patients: attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), n = 1,352; depression, n = 692; eating disorders, n = 395; needle phobia, n = 319; anxiety/obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), n = 231; and psychosis and/or neuroleptic medication, n = 169. Multivariable logistic regression with age, sex, diabetes duration, and migration background as independent variables was used to compare groups.

RESULTS

After adjustment for confounders, use of CSII was more common in patients with depression (41.5%), anxiety/OCD (41.4%), or needle phobia (75.8%) compared with patients without mental disorders (34.6%) (each P < 0.05). By contrast, psychotic patients (26.2%, P < 0.05) used CSII less often, and patients with ADHD (36.3%) or eating disorders (33.9%) used it with a similar frequency. Compared with patients without mental disorders (5.1%), the rate of CSII discontinuation was higher in patients with ADHD (9.7%), depression (8.2%), or eating disorders (10.0%) (P < 0.05, respectively) but similar in patients with anxiety/OCD (6.0%), psychosis (4.2%), or needle phobia (5.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

In routine diabetes care, CSII use and discontinuation vary widely among T1D patients with mental disorders and indicate clear differences from the latest recommendations.

Direct costs in impaired glucose regulation: results from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study

OBJECTIVE

For the first time, this population-based study sought to analyze healthcare utilization and associated costs in people with normal fasting glycemia (NFG), impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), as well as previously undetected diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes linking data from the prospective German Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study with individual claims data from German statutory health insurances.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1709 participants of the HNR 5-year follow-up (mean age (SD) 64.9 (7.5) years, 44.5% men) were included in the study. Age-standardized and sex-standardized healthcare utilization and associated costs (reported as € for the year 2008, perspective of the statutory health insurance) were stratified by diabetes stage defined by the participants' self-report and fasting plasma glucose values. Cost ratios (CRs) were estimated using two-part regression models, adjusting for age, sex, sociodemographic variables and comorbidity.

RESULTS

The mean total direct healthcare costs for previously diagnosed diabetes, previously undetected diabetes, IFG, and NFG were €2761 (95% CI 2378 to 3268), €2210 (1483 to 4279), €2035 (1732 to 2486) and €1810 (1634 to 2035), respectively. Corresponding age-adjusted and sex-adjusted CRs were 1.53 (1.30 to 1.80), 1.16 (0.91 to 1.47), and 1.09 (0.95 to 1.25) (reference: NFG). Inpatient, outpatient and medication costs varied in order between people with IFG and those with previously undetected diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides claims-based detailed cost data in well-defined glucose metabolism subgroups. CRs of individuals with IFG and previously undetected diabetes were surprisingly low. Data are important for the model-based evaluation of screening programs and interventions that are aimed either to prevent diabetes onset or to improve diabetes therapy as well.

Studies analysing the need for health-related information in Germany - a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Exploring health-related information needs is necessary to better tailor information. However, there is a lack of systematic knowledge on how and in which groups information needs has been assessed, and which information needs have been identified. We aimed to assess the methodology of studies used to assess information needs, as well as the topics and extent of health-related information needs and associated factors in Germany.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in Medline, Embase, Psycinfo, and all databases of the Cochrane Library. All studies investigating health-related information needs in patients, relatives, and the general population in Germany that were published between 2000 and 2012 in German or English were included. Descriptive content analysis was based on predefined categories.

RESULTS

We identified 19 studies. Most studies addressed cancer or rheumatic disease. Methods used were highly heterogeneous. Apart from common topics such as treatment, diagnosis, prevention and health promotion, etiology and prognosis, high interest ratings were also found in more specific topics such as complementary and alternative medicine or nutrition. Information needs were notable in all surveyed patient groups, relatives, and samples of the general population. Younger age, shorter duration of illness, poorer health status and higher anxiety and depression scores appeared to be associated with higher information needs.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge about information needs is still scarce. Assuming the importance of comprehensive information to enable people to participate in health-related decisions, further systematic research is required.

Impact of Maternal Country of Birth on Type-1-Diabetes Therapy and Outcome in 27,643 Children and Adolescents from the DPV Registry

Objective

To study the impact of maternal country of birth on type-1-diabetes (T1D) therapy and outcome.

Study Design and Methods

27,643 T1D patients aged ≤20 years with documented maternal country of birth from the multicenter German/Austrian diabetes patient registry (DPV) were analyzed. Patients were categorized based on their mother’s origin: Germany/Austria (reference), Turkey, Southern Europe, and Eastern Europe. To compare BMI standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), diabetes therapy and outcome between groups, multivariable regression was applied with adjustments for age, sex and duration of diabetes. Based on observed marginal frequencies, adjusted estimates were calculated. Linear regression was used for continuous data, logistic regression for binary data and Poisson regression for count data. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. Significance was set at a two-tailed p<0.05.

Results

83.3% of patients were offspring of native mothers. A Turkish, Southern or Eastern European background was documented in 2.4%, 1.7% and 4.3% of individuals. After demographic adjustment, patients with migration background had a higher mean BMI-SDS (Turkey, Southern Europe or Eastern Europe vs. Germany/Austria: 0.58±0.03, 0.40±0.04, or 0.37±0.02 vs. 0.31±0.01; ±SE) and a lower use of insulin pumps (26.8%, 27.9%, or 32.6% vs. 37.9%) compared to offspring of native mothers. Mean HbA1c was worst in individuals of Turkish mothers (Turkey vs. Germany/Austria: 69.7±0.7 vs. 66.6±0.1 mmol/mol; ±SE). Patients of Eastern European descent had an increased rate of severe hypoglycemia (22.09±0.13 vs. 16.13±0.02 events per 100 patient-years) and ketoacidosis was more prevalent in offspring of Turkish or Southern European mothers (7.50±0.10, or 7.13±0.11 vs. 6.54±0.02 events per 100 patient-years). Patients of Turkish descent were more often hospitalized (57.2±2.7 vs. 48.5±0.4 per 100 patient-years). All differences were significant.

Conclusion

The differences in diabetes therapy and outcome among patients with distinct migration background suggest that specific challenges have to be considered in clinical care.

Symptoms of Eating Disorders and Depression in Emerging Adults with Early-Onset, Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes and Their Association with Metabolic Control

Background

This study analyzed the prevalence of and association between symptoms of eating disorders and depression in female and male emerging adults with early-onset, long-duration type 1 diabetes and investigated how these symptoms are associated with metabolic control.

Methods

In a nationwide population-based survey, 211 type 1 diabetes patients aged 18-21 years completed standardized questionnaires, including the SCOFF questionnaire for eating disorder symptoms and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for symptoms of depression and severity of depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score). Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between eating disorder and depressive symptoms and their associations with HbA1c.

Results

A total of 30.2% of the women and 9.5% of the men were screening positive for eating disorders. The mean PHQ-9 score (standard deviation) was 5.3 (4.4) among women and 3.9 (3.6) among men. Screening positive for an eating disorder was associated with more severe depressive symptoms among women (β_women 3.8, p<0.001). However, neither eating disorder symptoms nor severity of depressive symptoms were associated with HbA1c among women, while HbA1c increased with the severity of depressive symptoms among men (β_men 0.14, p=0.006).

Conclusions

Because of the high prevalence of eating disorder and depressive symptoms, their interrelationship, and their associations with metabolic control, particularly among men, regular mental health screening is recommended for young adults with type 1 diabetes.

Associations between HbA1c and depressive symptoms in young adults with early-onset type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to evaluate the associations between metabolic control and each DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition) symptom of depression among young women and men with early-onset long-duration type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

The data of 202 18-21-year-old patients with type 1 diabetes from a population-based, nationwide survey (40.1% male) with a mean age of 19.4 (standard deviation 0.9) years, a mean HbA1c level of 8.3% (1.6%) (i.e., 67 [17.5]mmol/mol), and a mean diabetes duration of 15.7 (1.0) years were included. The German version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression symptoms. For each PHQ-9 depressive symptom, the mean HbA1c values of screening-positive and screening-negative patients were compared via t-test. The associations between HbA1c levels and depressive symptoms were analyzed using multiple linear regression analyses and stepwise adjustments for individual, socioeconomic and health-related covariates.

RESULTS

Exactly 43.0% and 33.3% of female and male participants reported at least one depressive symptom, and 5.0% and 2.5% met the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive syndrome. HbA1c levels increased with psychomotor agitation/retardation (women), overeating/poor appetite (men/women), lethargy (men), and sleep difficulty (men). Overeating/poor appetite, lethargy, and total PHQ-9 score (per score increase by one) were associated with increased HbA1c levels of 1.10, 0.96 and 0.09 units (%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between depressive symptoms and HbA1c levels vary by symptom and sex. Differentiating the symptoms of depression and targeted interventions might help to improve metabolic outcomes in young adults with early-onset type 1 diabetes and depression.

Quality of life in intensively treated youths with early-onset type 1 diabetes: a population-based survey

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors associated with self-reported generic, chronic-generic, and condition-specific quality of life (QoL) impairments in intensively treated patients with early-onset and long-duration type 1 diabetes.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 840 11- to 21-year-olds with type 1 diabetes onset before 5 years of age and at least 10 years diabetes duration completed questionnaires including the generic Revised Children's Quality of Life Questionnaire (KINDL-R), the DISABKIDS chronic-generic module (DCGM-12), and the DISABKIDS diabetes-specific module with impact and treatment scales to assess QoL. Regression analyses were conducted using sociodemographic, health-related, and diabetes-related independent variables.

RESULTS

The strongest associations were observed between QoL scores and diabetes-specific factors, especially glycemic control and treatment satisfaction. The adjusted mean differences [regression coefficients β (standard error)] between patient groups with high risk vs. optimal glycemic control were β = -4.6 (1.1) for the KINDL-R total score, β = -8.6 (1.5) for the DCGM-12, β = -14.4 (1.9) for the diabetes impact score, and β = -21.1 (2.7) for the diabetes treatment score (all p < 0.001). The mean differences between patient groups with poor vs. very good treatment satisfaction were β = -5.9 (1.3) for the KINDL-R total score, β = -8.5 (1.7) for the DCGM-12, β = -9.4 (2.0) for the diabetes impact score, and β = -15.0 (2.9) for the diabetes treatment score (all p < 0.001). In addition, recent severe hypoglycemia and an insulin regimen without an insulin pump were negatively associated with the QoL scores.

CONCLUSION

Good glycemic control and a high level of treatment satisfaction are associated with a positive QoL in youths with early-onset type 1 diabetes.

Medication costs by glucose tolerance stage in younger and older women and men: results from the population-based KORA survey in Germany

To estimate medication costs in individuals with diagnosed diabetes, undetected diabetes, impaired glucose regulation and normal blood glucose values in a population-based sample by age and sex.Using the KORA F4 follow-up survey, conducted in 2006-2008 (n=2611, age 40-82 years), we identified individuals' glucose tolerance status by means of an oral glucose tolerance test. We assessed all medications taken regularly, calculated age-sex specific medication costs and estimated cost ratios for total, total without antihyperglycemic drugs, and cardiovascular medication, using multiple 2-part regression models.Compared to individuals with normal glucose values, costs were increased in known diabetes, undetected diabetes and impaired glucose regulation, which was more pronounced in participants aged 40-59 years than in those aged 60-82 years (cost ratios for all medications: 40-59 years: 2.85; 95%-confidence interval: 1.78-4.54, 2.00; 1.22-3.29 and 1.53; 1.12-2.09; 60-82 years: 2.04; 1.71-2.43, 1.17; 0.90-1.51 and 1.09; 0.94-1.28). Compared to individuals with diagnosed diabetes, costs were significantly lower among individuals with impaired glucose regulation across all age and sex strata, also when antihyperglycemic medication was excluded (40-59 years: 0.60; 0.36-0.98, 60-82 years: 0.74; 0.60-0.90; men: 0.72; 0.56-0.93; women: 0.72; 0.54-0.96).We could quantify age- and sex-specific medication costs and cost ratios in individuals with diagnosed diabetes, undetected diabetes and impaired glucose regulation compared to those with normal glucose values, using data of a population-based sample, with oral glucose tolerance test-based identification of diabetes states. These results may help to validly estimate cost-effectiveness of screening and early treatment or prevention of diabetes.

Direct diabetes-related costs in young patients with early-onset, long-lasting type 1 diabetes

Objective

To estimate diabetes-related direct health care costs in pediatric patients with early-onset type 1 diabetes of long duration in Germany.

Research Design and Methods

Data of a population-based cohort of 1,473 subjects with type 1 diabetes onset at 0–4 years of age within the years 1993–1999 were included (mean age 13.9 (SD 2.2) years, mean diabetes duration 10.9 (SD 1.9) years, as of 31.12.2007). Diabetes-related health care services utilized in 2007 were derived from a nationwide prospective documentation system (DPV). Health care utilization was valued in monetary terms based on inpatient and outpatient medical fees and retail prices (perspective of statutory health insurance). Multiple regression models were applied to assess associations between direct diabetes-related health care costs per patient-year and demographic and clinical predictors.

Results

Mean direct diabetes-related health care costs per patient-year were €3,745 (inter-quartile range: 1,943–4,881). Costs for glucose self-monitoring were the main cost category (28.5%), followed by costs for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (25.0%), diabetes-related hospitalizations (22.1%) and insulin (18.4%). Female gender, pubertal age and poor glycemic control were associated with higher and migration background with lower total costs.

Conclusions

Main cost categories in patients with on average 11 years of diabetes duration were costs for glucose self-monitoring, insulin pump therapy, hospitalization and insulin. Optimization of glycemic control in particular in pubertal age through intensified care with improved diabetes education and tailored insulin regimen, can contribute to the reduction of direct diabetes-related costs in this patient group.

Lower frequency of insulin pump treatment in children and adolescents of Turkish background with type 1 diabetes: analysis of 21,497 patients in Germany

AIM

This study investigated insulin pump therapy in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes and Turkish origin compared with those without migration background in Germany.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Using a nationwide documentation program, we estimated the prevalence of insulin pump therapy in patients < 20 years of age with Turkish origin and those without migration background. Logistic regression was used to adjust for age, sex, diabetes duration, body mass index SD score (BMI-SDS), glycated hemoglobin, number of outpatient visits, number of daily blood glucose self-measurements, and area-based socioeconomic conditions.

RESULTS

In 1,695 pediatric type 1 diabetes patients with Turkish background and 19,802 patients without migration background (respectively: 51.2% and 53.0% boys; mean age, 12.4 ± 4.1 and 12.6 ± 4.2 years; mean diabetes duration, 4.7 ± 3.9 and 5.3 ± 4.0 years), fully adjusted prevalences of insulin pump therapy were 18.5% and 30.9%, respectively (odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.43-0.60, P < 0.001). Age, sex, BMI-SDS, outpatient visits, and blood glucose self-control were significantly associated with the prevalence of insulin pump therapy but did not alter the difference substantially.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of insulin pump therapy is roughly half among pediatric diabetes patients with Turkish background compared with those without migration background. Several covariates could not explain this difference. Individual characteristics or access barriers within the healthcare system may play a role. Further research is needed.

Health-related quality of life among German youths with early-onset and long-duration type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate self- and parent reports of general health status and health-related quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with early-onset and long-lasting type 1 diabetes compared with the general population in Germany.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 629 subjects aged 11 to 17 years, with a type 1 diabetes onset occurring from age 0 to 4 years during the years 1993-1999, and their parents, completed questionnaires, including the generic KINDL-R Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents, revised version, to assess QoL. The comparison group (n = 6,813) was a representative sample from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Regression analyses were conducted using sociodemographic and health-related covariates.

RESULTS

Intensified insulin therapy was used to treat 93% of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. They reported "excellent" general health as often as peers (adjusted OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.66-1.04] for an "excellent" rating), but the parent-rated general health was worse than that in the general population (OR 0.60 [0.48-0.74]). The patients reported increased self-esteem (adjusted difference β = 4.39 [SE 0.82]; P < 0.001) and well-being at school (β = 3.41 [0.77]; P < 0.001) but lower well-being within their families (β = -2.42 [0.80]; P = 0.002). The self- and parent-reported total QoL did not differ between the patient group and the general population. The adjusted difference (SE) between the two samples in total QoL was β = 0.89 (0.52; P = 0.087) in the self-reports and β = -0.98 (0.53; P = 0.066) in the parent-reports.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the general population, the QoL and general health status were not impaired among those aged 11-17 years with early-onset type 1 diabetes, despite the challenges of modern therapy.

Improved metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a trend analysis using prospective multicenter data from Germany and Austria

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the temporal trend of metabolic control and potential predictors in German and Austrian children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study is based on a large, multicenter database for prospective longitudinal documentation of diabetes care in Germany and Austria. Data from 30,708 patients documented in 305 diabetes centers between 1995 and 2009 were analyzed. Generalized linear mixed regression models were used to adjust trend analysis for relevant confounders.

RESULTS

Unadjusted mean HbA(1c) decreased from 8.7 ± 1.8% in 1995 to 8.1 ± 1.5% in 2009. In multiple regression analysis, treatment year, age, sex, diabetes duration, migration background, BMI-SDS, and daily insulin dose were significant predictors of metabolic control (P < 0.001). After multiple adjustment, mean HbA(1c) decreased significantly by 0.038% per year (95% CI 0.032-0.043%), average odds ratio (OR) per year for HbA(1c) >7.5% (>9.0%) was 0.969 (95% CI 0.961-0.977) (0.948, 95% CI 0.941-0.956). Intensified insulin regimen was associated with lower frequency of poor metabolic control (HbA(1c) >9%; P = 0.005) but not with average HbA(1c) (P = 0.797). Rate of severe hypoglycemia and hypoglycemic coma decreased significantly (relative risk [RR] per year 0.948, 95% CI 0.918-0.979; RR 0.917, 95% CI 0.885-0.950) over the study period. Diabetic ketoacidosis rate showed no significant variation over time.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a significant improvement in metabolic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes during the past decade and a simultaneous decrease in hypoglycemic events. The improvement was not completely explained by changes in the mode of insulin treatment. Other factors such as improved patient education may have accounted for the observed trend.

Inpatient and outpatient health care utilization of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes before and after introduction of DRGs

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency and length of hospital stays as well as the frequency of diabetes-associated outpatient visits of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes before and after the introduction of DRGs (diagnosis-related groups) in German hospitals.

METHODS

For this prospective cohort study, data from 2000 (before introduction of DRGs) to 2008 (after introduction) was extracted from the German diabetes documentation software DPV. Incidence rates of hospitalizations, length of hospital stays as well as the incidence rates of outpatient visits of 21,502 children and adolescents were estimated. The associations between the target parameters and DRG introduction, age, sex, diabetes duration, calendar year and migration background were estimated using generalized linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Incidence of hospitalization was 0.45 (95% CI 0.44-0.45) per person-year (PY), mean number of hospital days 2.77/PY (95% CI: 2.76-2.79). Children had 5.3 (95% CI: 5.3-5.3) outpatient visits per PY on average. The number of hospital stays, inpatient days, and outpatient visits decreased significantly between 2000 and 2008. Time of introduction of DRGs was related to a significant rise in the number of hospital stays and outpatient visits (p<0.05). There was no significant relation to the number of hospital days. Compared with children younger than eleven years of age, 11- to 14-year-old children had significantly more, adolescents older than 14 years significantly less hospital stays (RR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.14-1.23 and 0.92, 95%, CI: 0.87-0.97, respectively). Migration background was significantly associated with worse results for all analyzed target variables (RR 1.21 for hospital stays, 1.26 for hospital days, 1.07 number of outpatient visits).

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of DRGs in the care of patients with pediatric diabetes mellitus resulted in a leveling of the reduction of the number of outpatient visits and hospital stays. Especially adolescents at the age of puberty and patients from families with migration background seem to require particular attention in health care.