Parent and Pediatrician Preferences for Type 1 Diabetes Screening in the U.S.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to use a discrete-choice experiment methodology to understand the relative importance of the attributes of screening tests for type 1 diabetes among parents and pediatricians in the U.S. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Online surveys presented hypothetical screening test profiles from which respondents chose their preferred test profile. Survey attributes were based on likely screening test options and included the mode of administration, where and when the test was conducted, the type of education and monitoring available to lower the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and whether a treatment was available that would delay onset of insulin dependence. Data were analyzed using random-parameters logit models. RESULTS: Parents placed the highest relative importance on monitoring programs that could reduce the risk of DKA to 1%, followed by treatment to delay onset of insulin dependence by 1 or 2 years, and, finally, avoiding a $50 out-of-pocket cost. Pediatricians placed equal importance on monitoring programs that reduced a patient's risk of DKA to 1% and on avoiding a $50 out-of-pocket cost for the screening test, followed by the option of a treatment to delay the onset of insulin dependence. The mode of administration and location and timing of the screening were much less important to parents and pediatricians. CONCLUSIONS: Parents and pediatricians preferred screening tests that were accompanied by education and monitoring plans to reduce the risk of DKA, had available treatment to delay type 1 diabetes, and had lower out-of-pocket costs.

Preferences for Outcomes Among Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Caregivers of Children with Type 1 Diabetes.

PURPOSE: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is the accepted measure of effectiveness for type 1 diabetes therapies. We investigated preferences for measures of diabetes control in addition to HbA1c among adults with type 1 diabetes and caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Using discrete-choice experiment methodology, surveys for adults with type 1 diabetes and caregivers presented choices between hypothetical treatments described by six attributes with varying levels: HbA1c, time in optimal glucose range, weekly number and severity of hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events, additional disease management time, and additional treatment cost. Choice data were analyzed using random-parameters logit. RESULTS: A total of 300 adults with type 1 diabetes and 400 caregivers completed the survey. Adults and caregivers placed the most importance on reducing hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events. For adults, avoiding 1-5 mild-to-moderate hypoglycemic events (glucose 54-69 mg/dL)/week was five times more important than being a half-point above target HbA1c. Avoiding 1-5 hyperglycemic events (glucose >180 mg/dL)/week was seven times more important than being a half-point above target HbA1c. Additional time in optimal glucose range was as important as a reduction greater than a half-point in HbA1c. Avoiding hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic events was more important than all other outcomes for caregivers of younger children. Caregivers of children >12 years placed relatively more weight on avoiding hypoglycemic events <54 mg/dL than those with younger children and preferred avoiding additional costs. CONCLUSION: Adults with type 1 diabetes and caregivers prioritize controlling hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic events, including mild-to-moderate events. These preferences should be considered in drug development and regulatory decisions.