Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes is associated with better clinical engagement but not glycaemic control.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have compared outcomes between emerging adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) attending a diabetes transition support programme using multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). AIMS: To assess glycaemic control and service utilisation in emerging adults with T1D on MDI or CSII attending a young adult diabetes clinic (YAC). METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted from January 2013 to December 2015. Data collected included clinic visits per year, after-hours mobile telephone use, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) admissions and all HbA1c levels. Independent t-test was used to compare continuous variables whilst Pearson's Chi-squared test was used for categorical variables. Linear mixed effects models explored mean changes in HbA1c levels over time. RESULTS: Over 3 years, 318 youth with T1D (176 MDI, 121 CSII, 21 switched from MDI to CSII) attended our YAC. Aggregated mean HbA1c levels remained similar between modalities (CSII 9.1% vs MDI 9.3%; P = 0.23); however, mean change in HbA1c at 3 years was significantly increased in CSII users at 0.55% (95% CI 0.15-0.95; P < 0.01) compared with no significant change in MDI users. Clinic visits per year were improved in CSII users (CSII 2.8 vs MDI 2.5; P = 0.02), while DKA admissions remained similar between MDI and CSII users (3.6 admissions per 100 patient-years). CONCLUSION: In our YAC cohort, glycaemic control in CSII and MDI users was similar but well below recommended international glycaemic targets (HbA1c level < 7.0%). Despite increased clinical engagement occurring in CSII users, glycaemic deterioration was observed over the 3 years.

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.

Insulin resistance in type 1 diabetes managed with metformin (INTIMET): Study protocol of a double-blind placebo-controlled, randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance is an under-recognised metabolic defect and cardiovascular risk factor in Type 1 diabetes. Whether metformin improves hepatic, muscle or adipose tissue insulin sensitivity has not been studied in adults with Type 1 diabetes. We initiated the INTIMET study (INsulin resistance in Type 1 diabetes managed with METformin), a double-blind randomised, placebo-controlled trial to measure the effect of metformin on tissue-specific insulin resistance in adults with Type 1 diabetes. METHODS: We will study 40 adults aged 20-55 years with Type 1 diabetes (HbA1c ≤ 80 mmol/mol [9.5%], fasting C-peptide <0.3 nmol/L) and 20 age-, gender- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Insulin sensitivity will be determined by the two-step hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp method with deuterated glucose to document liver, muscle and adipose insulin sensitivity. Subjects with Type 1 diabetes will be randomised to metformin extended-release 1500 mg daily or matched placebo for 26 weeks. The primary outcome is change in hepatic insulin sensitivity, assessed by change in basal rate of appearance (Ra) of glucose and suppression of endogenous glucose production (EGP) during the low-dose stage of the clamp. CONCLUSION: The INTIMET study is the first clinical trial to quantify the impact of metformin on liver, muscle and adipose insulin resistance in adults with Type 1 diabetes. This study may identify factors that predict an individual's response to metformin in Type 1 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12619001440112.

Reducing Type 1 Diabetes Mortality: Role for Adjunctive Therapies?

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) frequently fail to achieve glycemic goals and have excess cardiovascular risk and premature death. Adjunctive agents may play a role in reducing morbidity, mortality, and the adverse sequelae of insulin treatment. A surge in type 2 diabetes drug development has revealed agents with benefits beyond glucose lowering, including cardiovascular risk reduction. Could these benefits translate to T1D? Specific trials for T1D demonstrate substantial hemoglobin (Hb)A1c reductions with sodium glucose cotransporter inhibitors (SGLTis) and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)1 agonists, and modest improvements with metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i), and pramlintide. Studies exploring cardiovascular risk reduction are warranted. This review synthesizes the emerging literature for researchers and clinicians treating people with T1D. Challenges in T1D research are discussed.

Attitudes towards mental health, mental health research and digital interventions by young adults with type 1 diabetes: A qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Young people with type 1 diabetes are at increased risk of mental disorders. Whereas treatment need is high, difficulty recruiting young people with type 1 diabetes into psychosocial studies complicates development, testing and dissemination of these interventions. OBJECTIVE: Interviews with young adults with type 1 diabetes were conducted to examine attitudes towards mental health and mental health research, including barriers and motivators to participation in mental health studies and preferred sources of mental health support. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and evaluated via thematic analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Young adults with type 1 diabetes were recruited via social media channels of 3 advocacy organizations. A total of 31 young adults (26 females and 5 males) with an average age of 22 years were interviewed between October 2015 and January 2016. RESULTS: Participants were largely unaware of their increased vulnerability to common mental health problems and knew little about mental health research. Major barriers to participation included perceived stigma and lifestyle issues and low levels of trust in researchers. Opportunities to connect with peers and help others were described as key motivators. Psychological distress was considered normal within the context of diabetes. A need for some level of human contact in receiving psychosocial support was expressed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Findings provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics of engaging young adults with type 1 diabetes in mental health studies. Interviewees provided practical suggestions to assist investigation and delivery of psychosocial interventions for this vulnerable group.