Pediatric Diabetes Research Articles

SARS-CoV-2 and type 1 diabetes in children in Finland: an observational study

Some epidemiological studies have suggested an increase in incidence of type 1 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, however the mechanism(s) behind such an increase have yet to be identified. In this study we aimed to evaluate the possible role of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the reported increase in the rate of type 1 diabetes. In this observational cohort study using data from the Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register (FPDR), we assessed the incidence of type 1 diabetes (number of children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes per 100 000 person-years during the pandemic and the reference period) during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in children in Finland younger than 15 years old compared with a reference period which included three corresponding pre-pandemic periods also obtained from the FPDR. Children with confirmed monogenic diabetes were excluded. We also compared the phenotype and HLA genotype of the disease between these two cohorts, and analysed the proportion of newly diagnosed people with type 1 diabetes testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. 785 children and adolescents in Finland were diagnosed with type 1 diabetes from March 1, 2020, to Aug 31, 2021. In the reference period, which comprised three similar 18-month terms (from March 1, 2014, to Aug 31, 2015; March 1, 2016, to Aug 31, 2017; and March 1, 2018, to Aug 31, 2019) 2096 children and adolescents were diagnosed. The incidence of type 1 diabetes was 61·0 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 56·8-65·4) among children younger than 15 years old during the pandemic, which was significantly higher than during the reference period (52·3 per 100 000 person-years; 50·1-54·6). The incidence rate ratio adjusted for age and sex for the COVID-19 pandemic was 1·16 (1·06-1·25; p=0·0006) when compared with the reference period. The children diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic had more often diabetic ketoacidosis (p<0·001), had a higher HbA1c (p<0·001), and tested more frequently positive for glutamic acid debarboxylase antibodies at diagnosis (p<0·001) than those diagnosed before the pandemic. There were no significant differences in the distribution of HLA genotypes between the two periods. Only five of those diagnosed during the pandemic (0·9%) of 583 tested positive for infection-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Children and adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during the pandemic had a more severe disease at diagnosis. The observed increase in type 1 diabetes incidence during the first 18 months could be a consequence of lockdown and physical distancing rather than a direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Helsinki University Hospital Research Funds, EU Horizon 2020 (Versatile emerging infectious disease observatory project), Academy of Finland, Sigrid Jusélius Foundation, Jane & Aatos Erkko Foundation, and Medicinska understödsföreningen Liv och Hälsa. For the Finnish and Swedish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Prevalence and Multidimensional Model of Disordered Eating in Youths With Type 1 Diabetes: Results From a Nationwide Population-Based Study.

The aim of this study was to report nationwide data of the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to evaluate a multidimensional model of eating problems, analyzing how psychopathological problems are associated with DEBs and with metabolic control. This study was carried out using a cross-sectional design with a sample of 1,562 patients with T1D (812 male), aged 11-19 years. Participants were recruited from multiple pediatric diabetes centers (N = 30) located in northern, central, and southern Italy, and they individually completed the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-r) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Sociodemographic and clinical data were also gathered. Multiple-group structural equation modeling was used to investigate the relationships between internalizing/externalizing symptoms, DEBs, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values. A total of 29.7% of the participants reported DEBs (DEPS-r scores ≥20), 42.4% reported insulin manipulation (IM). The prevalence of DEBs was higher for female participants (p ≤ .001). The model explains 37% of the variance in disordered eating, 12% in IM, and 21% in HbA1c values. Body mass index, externalizing symptoms, and internalizing symptoms were significantly and positively associated with DEBs, which in turn were significantly and positively associated with HbA1c values (all p ≤ .001). Externalizing (p ≤ .001) and internalizing (p ≤ .01) symptoms were also directly associated with HbA1c values. Given the relevant prevalence of DEBs, their significant positive association with psychopathological symptoms, and their relationship with worse diabetes outcomes, regular psychological screening and support is needed to ensure the best care of adolescents with T1D.

Twice-daily injections and multiple daily injections of insulin in toddlers with type 1 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study.

Twice-daily injections and multiple daily injections of insulin in toddlers with type 1 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study.

The Relationship between Metabolic Control Status and Microalbuminuria in Pediatric Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disorder that can cause many complications. HbA1c measurement can help monitor long-term serum glucose regulation. Microalbuminuria in DM patients is a risk factor for these complications, so evaluation of risk factors for prevention is necessary. This study aimed to determine the relationship between metabolic control status and microalbuminuria in pediatric diabetes mellitus patients at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia.&#x0D; Methods: This study is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 34 children with DM aged 1-18 years participated in this study. Sampling was carried out using the consecutive sampling method at the pediatric polyclinic of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia, from November 2021-April 2022. Metabolic control status was assessed by measuring HbA1C levels and microalbuminuria by measuring the urine albumin-creatinine ratio. Data analysis used the Chi-square test, with a p-value &lt;0.05.&#x0D; Results: The average respondent was 13.2 ± 3.3 years old with a duration of suffering from DM 2.5 ± 2 years. Most of the respondents were male (52.9%), suffered from type 1 DM (94.1%), had uncontrolled metabolic control status (82.3%), had a normal creatine albumin ratio (82.4%), never had diabetic ketoacidosis (79.4%), had no family history of DM (85.3%) and had normal blood pressure (94.1%). It is known that the average urea and creatinine are within normal limits. The average HbA1c value is 11.9 ± 3.39%. The median urine creatine albumin ratio was 7.98 (0-255.74) ug/mg. Microalbuminuria in uncontrolled metabolic control status was found in as much as 17.6%, whereas in controlled metabolic control status, no microalbuminuria was found. Statistically, there is no significant relationship (p&gt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is no relationship between metabolic control status and microalbuminuria in pediatric diabetes mellitus patients at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia.

Perceived Knowledge and Confidence for Providing Youth-Specific Type 1 Diabetes Exercise Recommendations amongst Pediatric Diabetes Healthcare Professionals: An International, Cross-Sectional, Online Survey

Background. Managing glycemia around exercise is challenging for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their healthcare professionals (HCP). We investigated HCP knowledge and confidence around exercise counseling for youth with T1D worldwide. Objective. To assess HCP familiarity with ISPAD Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines and confidence to deliver recommendations about T1D and exercise. Methods. A new online survey was developed on strategies and competencies about exercise for youth with T1D, comprising of 64 questions, divided into eight different categories, assessing HCPs perceived exercise knowledge, confidence, training, and barriers to exercise counseling. Results. A total of 125 HCPs mean ± SD age 42 ± 8.2 years (74% female, 73% physicians) completed the survey. The ISPAD exercise guidelines were considered familiar to 68/125 (54%) of responders. Overall, 91/125 (73%) felt confident with giving recommendations about exercise with 47/125 (38%) recommending 45–60 mins/day of physical activity, while 16/125 (13%) recommended &gt;60 mins/day. Several topics related to self-management around exercise were covered by most, but not all responders, and differences were observed in exercise content “confidence” and/or “competence” based on geographic location ( p = 0.048 ). No differences in exercise recommendation dose, confidence, or familiarity with ISPAD guidelines were observed for age, sex, type of HCP, years in practice, or healthcare type. Conclusions. Exercise counseling for youth with T1D remains a challenge in most healthcare settings, globally. In general, the number of physically active minutes per week is under-prescribed for youth with T1D and many HCPs in various settings around the world feel that more professional education is needed to boost confidence around the education of several exercise-related topics.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on HbA1c management and results in pediatric and adult outpatients with diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus intensify the risks and complications related to COVID-19 infection. A major effect of the pandemic has been a drastic reduction of in-person visits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HbA1c management and results among pediatric and adult outpatients with diabetes, considering the laboratory and point-of-care testing (POCT) HbA1c measurements. Observational retrospective study including patients from pediatric and adult diabetes units was conducted. HbA1c results obtained in the laboratory and POCT over 3years (2019-2021) were collected from the laboratory information system. After the lockdown, the number of HbA1c plummeted. Children returned soon to routine clinical practice. The number of HbA1c increased gradually in adults, especially in POCT. Globally, HbA1c results were lower in children compared with adults (p<0.001). HbA1c values inchildren (p<0.001) and adults (p=0.002) decreased between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic periods, though lower than the HbA1c reference change value. The percentage of HbA1c results above 8% remained stable during the study period. Continuous glucose monitoring and a telemedicine have been crucial, even allowing for improvements in HbA1c results. During the lockdown, patients with better metabolic control were managed in the laboratory whereas patients with poorer control or a severe clinical situation were attended in diabetes units by POCT. Adults returned to pre-pandemic management slowly because they were more susceptible to morbidity and mortality dueto COVID-19. Coordination among all health professionals has been essential to offering the best management, especially in difficult scenarios such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract P345: Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Adolescents With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone in the management of pediatric diabetes, due in part to a dose-response effect on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). The extent to which PA and CRF is impaired in children and adolescents with diabetes remains unclear. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that PA and CRF would be lower in children and adolescents with type 1 (T1D) and (T2D) compared to controls. Design and Methods: To test this hypothesis we conducted a systematic review of observational studies in MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL from 2000 to April 2022. Cross sectional studies that reported PA and/or CRF for children and adolescents (0-21 years) with T1D, T2D and controls without diabetes were included in the analysis. We excluded studies in adults and those that did not differentiate diabetes type. The main outcomes of interest were objective or subjective measures of PA and direct or indirect measures of CRF. Co-variates extracted from each manuscript included body mass index, sex, measures of socio-economic status, age and ethnicity. A modified risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of each study. (Prospero registration: CRD42022329303). We used an inverse variance weighted meta-analysis to estimate effect size and precision effects. A random effects model was used. Results: Of 7857 citations retrieved, we included 42 studies with T1D (n=4027 with T1D, n=9699 controls) and 14 studies with T2D (n=581 with T2D, n=1008 controls). 26 and 2 studies included direct and indirect measures of cardiorespiratory fitness respectively. 14 and 26 studies include objective and subjective measures of PA respectively. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was PA [-0.28; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.10; I 2 = 89%] and CRF [-0.30; 95% CI: -0.66, 0.06; I 2 = 92%] were lower children and adolescents with for T1D compared to controls. The SMD for PA [-0.61; 95% CI: -0.98, -0.24; I 2 = 89%] and CRF [-1.20; 95% CI: -1.73, -0.67; I 2 = 91%] were also lower for children and adolescents with T2D compared to controls. The majority of studies were considered a high risk of bias. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with T1D display modestly lower daily PA and CRF compared to controls. Deficits in PA and CRF are more profound among children and adolescents with T2D.

Clinical Utility and Outcome Prediction of Early ZnT8-IgG Testing and Titer in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes autoantibodies are directed against multiple antigens including: glutamic acid decarboxylase, protein tyrosine phosphatase-like islet antigen 2 (IA2), insulin (IAA), and Zinc transporter 8 protein (ZnT8). The aim of our study was to determine if the presence or titer of ZnT8 antibodies (Ab) was predictive for clinical presentation at diagnosis or for the subsequent disease course. Between January, 2003 and May, 2019, 105 patients aged ≤21 years with a clinical diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus had at least 1 autoantibody measured. A retrospective chart review was completed. At diagnosis, we evaluated the body mass index z-score, hemoglobin (HbA1c), and the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Complications analyzed post-diagnosis included episodes of DKA, the diagnosis of autoimmune disease, and the presence of vascular complications. We evaluated cumulative lifetime excess glucose as HbA1c area under the curve (AUC) >6%. Seventy-one patients were ZnT8-Ab(+) (68%), with 19 having low titer ZnT8-Ab and 52 with high titer ZnT8-Ab. Follow-up ranged from 10 days to 15.7 years (median 2.08 years). There were no differences in the characteristics at disease onset or in the subsequent follow-up between those with and those without ZnT8-Ab or those with high or low titers of ZnT8 Ab, except for a small but statistically significant difference in cumulative excess glucose (HbA1c AUC >6%) between those with low and high titers (p=0.0095). Our study adds to the limited literature on the effect of the presence and titer of ZnT8-Ab in pediatric diabetes. The small effect of ZnT8-Ab titer on glucose excess as measured by HbA1c AUC warrants further study.

An interdisciplinary telemedicine innovation to enhance pediatric diabetes care in rural communities: A proposed practice initiative.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly among individuals with chronic conditions. A positive outcome of the pandemic was an increased use of telehealth and the creation of innovative models of care. In many organizations, nurses became the leaders for these new models. Before this change, pediatric medicine had far fewer telehealth models than adult medicine due to limited Medicaid reimbursement and equipment that was not designed with children in mind. This article describes a new model of care for children with diabetes. We will review how a nurse-led initiative with the incorporation of telehealth modalities can improve access and outcomes while reducing cost. Successful models of care will be reviewed, as well as programmatic planning, financial implications, and regulatory considerations. It is no longer necessary for families living in rural communities to drive long distances, missing school and work, to attend the frequent appointments needed for optimal management of pediatric diabetes. Telemedicine can bridge gaps in access to specialty care, and is feasible, reimbursable, and well-accepted by families and providers. Nurses in both primary care and pediatric specialty offices can initiate and support innovative telehealth models of care, such as this proposal. To win the backing of practice leadership, the availability of cost-effective videoconferencing equipment and software, improvements in telehealth reimbursement prompted by the pandemic, and enhanced patient and parent satisfaction and outcomes should be emphasized.

Association of Achieving Time in Range Clinical Targets With Treatment Modality Among Youths With Type 1 Diabetes

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have demonstrated efficacy in adults and more recently in youths and older adults with type 1 diabetes. In adults with type 1 diabetes, the use of real-time CGM compared with intermittently scanned CGM was associated with improved glycemic control, but there are limited data available for youths. To assess real-world data on achievement of time in range clinical targets associated with different treatment modalities in youths with type 1 diabetes. This multinational cohort study included children, adolescents, and young adults younger than 21 years (hereinafter referred to collectively as youths) with type 1 diabetes for a duration of at least 6 months who provided CGM data between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021. Participants were enrolled from the international Better Control in Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes: Working to Create Centers of Reference (SWEET) registry. Data from 21 countries were included. Participants were divided into 4 treatment modalities: intermittently scanned CGM with or without insulin pump use and real-time CGM with or without insulin pump use. Type 1 diabetes and the use of CGM with or without an insulin pump. Proportion of individuals in each treatment modality group achieving recommended CGM clinical targets. Among the 5219 participants (2714 [52.0%] male; median age, 14.4 [IQR, 11.2-17.1] years), median duration of diabetes was 5.2 (IQR, 2.7-8.7) years and median hemoglobin A1c level was 7.4% (IQR, 6.8%-8.0%). Treatment modality was associated with the proportion of individuals achieving recommended clinical targets. Adjusted for sex, age, diabetes duration, and body mass index standard deviation score, the proportion achieving the recommended greater than 70% time in range target was highest with real-time CGM plus insulin pump use (36.2% [95% CI, 33.9%-38.4%]), followed by real-time CGM plus injection use (20.9% [95% CI, 18.0%-24.1%]), intermittently scanned CGM plus injection use (12.5% [95% CI, 10.7%-14.4%]), and intermittently scanned CGM plus insulin pump use (11.3% [95% CI, 9.2%-13.8%]) (P < .001). Similar trends were observed for less than 25% time above (real-time CGM plus insulin pump, 32.5% [95% CI, 30.4%-34.7%]; intermittently scanned CGM plus insulin pump, 12.8% [95% CI, 10.6%-15.4%]; P < .001) and less than 4% time below range target (real-time CGM plus insulin pump, 73.1% [95% CI, 71.1%-75.0%]; intermittently scanned CGM plus insulin pump, 47.6% [95% CI, 44.1%-51.1%]; P < .001). Adjusted time in range was highest among real-time CGM plus insulin pump users (64.7% [95% CI, 62.6%-66.7%]). Treatment modality was associated with the proportion of participants experiencing severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis events. In this multinational cohort study of youths with type 1 diabetes, concurrent use of real-time CGM and an insulin pump was associated with increased probability of achieving recommended clinical targets and time in range target as well as lower probability of severe adverse events compared with other treatment modalities.

Serum Concentrations and Dietary Intake of Vitamin B12 in Children and Adolescents on Metformin: A Case–Control Study

The International Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) recommends metformin (MET) use for metabolic disturbances and hyperglycemia, either in combination with insulin therapy or alone. A caveat of MET therapy has been suggested to be biochemical vitamin B12 deficiency, as seen mainly in studies conducted in adults. In the present case-control study, children and adolescents of different weight status tiers on MET therapy for a median of 17 months formed the cases group (n = 23) and were compared with their peers not taking MET (n = 46). Anthropometry, dietary intake, and blood assays were recorded for both groups. MET group members were older, heavier, and taller compared with the controls, although BMI z-scores did not differ. In parallel, blood phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations were lower in the MET group, whereas MCV, Δ4-androstenedione, and DHEA-S were higher. No differences were observed in the HOMA-IR, SHBG, hemoglobin, HbA1c, vitamin B12, or serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations between groups. Among those on MET, 17.4% exhibited vitamin B12 deficiency, whereas none of the controls had low vitamin B12 concentrations. Participants on MET therapy consumed less energy concerning their requirements, less vitamin B12, more carbohydrates (as a percentage of the energy intake), and fewer fats (including saturated and trans fats) compared with their peers not on MET. None of the children received oral nutrient supplements with vitamin B12. The results suggest that, in children and adolescents on MET therapy, the dietary intake of vitamin B12 is suboptimal, with the median coverage reaching 54% of the age- and sex-specific recommended daily allowance. This low dietary intake, paired with MET, may act synergistically in reducing the circulating vitamin B12 concentrations. Thus, caution is required when prescribing MET in children and adolescents, and replacement is warranted.

Virtual Clinics for Diabetes Care.

Virtual Clinics for Diabetes Care.

Diabetes Technology and Therapy in the Pediatric Age Group.

Diabetes Technology and Therapy in the Pediatric Age Group.

Real-World Diabetes Technology: Overcoming Barriers and Disparities.

Real-World Diabetes Technology: Overcoming Barriers and Disparities.

Diabetes Technology and the Human Factor.

Diabetes Technology and the Human Factor.

Paediatric Society and Hyperinsulinism Charity National Surveys on CGM Access for Patients With Recurrent Hypoglycaemia.

Recurrent hypoglycemia can result in significant neurological impairments in children and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology has been shown to reduce recurrent hypoglycemia in conditions such as type 1 diabetes. In the United Kingdom, CGM devices are currently only recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) for patients with diabetes and not for other diagnoses. To examine access to CGM technology for children and young people with recurrent hypoglycemia in the United Kingdom. In 2021, the British Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes (BSPED) conducted a national health professional survey in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland looking at CGM access to funding for children and young people with recurrent hypoglycemia, without the diagnosis of diabetes. The UK Children's Hyperinsulinism Charity (UK CHC) also conducted a national patient survey. Responses from BSPED were received from 55 units while the UK CHC received 69 responses from individual families, the largest response to a survey carried out by the charity. The results of the BSPED and UK CHC surveys found that funding streams for CGM were highly variable. Only 29% were able to access CGM for recurrent hypoglycemia and from these, 65% were self-funding CGM. Quality of life benefits were evident from the UK CHC survey on the utility of CGM in reducing worry, improving sleep, lessening the burden of frequently finger-pricking and reducing out-of-hours appointments as a result of hypoglycemia. Patient-reported utilization rates of blood glucose test strips per week were significantly reduced. BSPED and UK CHC national surveys support a call and a consideration for CGM access to be widened to patients who suffer from recurrent hypoglycemia such as those with hyperinsulinism or metabolic conditions. The prevention of recurrent hypoglycemia and improving quality of life for patients and carers remain a cornerstone management for people who suffer from frequent hypoglycemia. CGM education is critical to support its use and understand its limitations. Further research is warranted to determine the safety and efficacy of CGM in detection and reduction of hypoglycemic events, impact of hospital stay, and long-term neurological outcomes in those who suffer from recurrent hypoglceamia.

Prevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes in children aged 0-14 years old in New Zealand in 2021.

National prevalence and incidence data are important for understanding population trends and allocating health-care resources. We aimed to provide a current national snapshot of prevalence and annual incidence rates for children aged 0-14 with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in Aotearoa New Zealand and to identify differences associated with demographic variables. Paediatric diabetes centres across Aotearoa were invited to record anonymised demographic and diabetes data on children under their services between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2021. National prevalence and incidence were calculated using usually resident population counts from the 2018 census. The effect of ethnicity on prevalence and incidence was assessed using Poisson regression. There were 1209 children aged 0-14 with T1D in October 2021. The national prevalence was 131/100 000 (95% confidence interval (CI) 124-139). European children had twice the prevalence as those of Māori or Pacific ethnicity (P < 0.001). There was no effect by gender (P=0.3) and prevalence predictably increased with age. The annualised incidence of T1D was 23/100 000 (95% CI 20-26). European children were 2.6 times as likely as Māori children to be diagnosed with T1D in that year (incidence rate ratio=2.6, 95% CI 1.7-4.2). Regional differences in prevalence and incidence were noted, potentially due to the ethnicity differences across regions. Unadjusted prevalence and incidence decreased with lower socio-economic status, likely due to an over-representation of non-Europeans living in the most deprived areas. T1D affects an ethnically diverse population in Aotearoa and important regional differences exist that may impact workforce planning.

Toward Diabetes Device Development That Is Mindful to the Needs of Young People Living With Type 1 Diabetes: A Data- and Theory-Driven Qualitative Study

An important strategy to understand young people's needs regarding technologies for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) management is to examine their day-to-day experiences with these technologies. This study aimed to examine young people's and their caregivers' experiences with diabetes technologies in an exploratory way and relate the findings to the existing technology acceptance and technology design theories. On the basis of this procedure, we aimed to develop device characteristics that meet young people's needs. Overall, 16 in-person and web-based face-to-face interviews were conducted with 7 female and 9 male young people with T1DM (aged between 12 and 17 years) and their parents between December 2019 and July 2020. The participants were recruited through a pediatric diabetes clinic based at Canberra Hospital. Data-driven thematic analysis was performed before theory-driven analysis to incorporate empirical data results into the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and value-sensitive design (VSD). We used the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist for reporting our research procedure and findings. In this paper, we summarize the key device characteristics that meet young people's needs. Summarized interview themes from the data-driven analysis included aspects of self-management, device use, technological characteristics, and feelings associated with device types. In the subsequent theory-driven analysis, the interview themes aligned with all UTAUT and VSD factors except for one (privacy). Privacy concerns or related aspects were not reported throughout the interviews, and none of the participants made any mention of data privacy. Discussions around ideal device characteristics focused on reliability, flexibility, and automated closed loop systems that enable young people with T1DM to lead an independent life and alleviate parental anxiety. However, in line with a previous systematic review by Brew-Sam et al, the analysis showed that reality deviated from these expectations, with inaccuracy problems reported in continuous glucose monitoring devices and technical failures occurring in both continuous glucose monitoring devices and insulin pumps. Our research highlights the benefits of the transdisciplinary use of exploratory and theory-informed methods for designing improved technologies. Technologies for diabetes self-management require continual advancement to meet the needs and expectations of young people with T1DM and their caregivers. The UTAUT and VSD approaches were found useful as a combined foundation for structuring the findings of our study.

Psychosocial Staffing and Implementation of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Psychological Care Guidelines in U.S. Pediatric Diabetes Clinics.

Few studies have examined the implementation of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines for the Psychological Care of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes. To collect benchmark data on psychosocial staffing and implementation of the ISPAD guidelines across U.S. pediatric diabetes clinics. Medical (n = 95; 77 endocrinologists and 18 advance practice providers) and psychosocial (n = 86; 43 social workers and 43 psychologists) providers from 98 of 115 contacted clinics completed an online survey (85% response rate). Providers reported the number of psychosocial staff and rated the adequacy of psychosocial staffing, quality of psychosocial care, and adherence to the ISPAD guidelines in their clinics. χ2 Tests and ANOVA were used to examine differences across clinic size and across medical and psychosocial providers. Clinics averaged a total of ∼4 hours per week of psychosocial provider time per 100 patients with type 1 diabetes. Only 27% of providers agreed that psychosocial staffing was adequate, and 35% described their psychosocial care as comprehensive. Implementation of the ISPAD guidelines varied across clinics, with minimal differences across clinic size. Medical providers reported that evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions were delivered consistently by <55% of clinics. Psychosocial, compared with medical, providers were more likely to report frequent implementation of psychosocial assessment and intervention guidelines. Psychological care in U.S. pediatric type 1 diabetes clinics does not consistently meet the ISPAD guidelines, and many clinics lack adequate psychosocial staff. These benchmark data are a foundational step to improve psychosocial care for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.

Racial Disparities in Technology Use in Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Parents’ Perspectives

The purpose of the study was to describe differences in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) parents' perceptions of factors that influence the use of diabetes technology. Focus groups were conducted with parents of NHB and NHW children at a pediatric diabetes center in the Northeast United States. Kilbourne's health disparities framework informed the focus group guide and a priori coding for directed content analysis. Further analysis allowed subcategories to emerge inductively. Twenty-one parents participated. Five subcategories emerged, describing differences in NHB and NHW parent decisions regarding diabetes technology: (1) child's choice, (2) shame versus pride, (3) pros and cons of technology, (4) time frame, and (5) blood glucose indications of readiness. NHB parents feared technology malfunction, worried that visible devices could worsen experienced stigma of diabetes diagnosis, and described the diabetes team as gatekeepers, who changed eligibility criteria for diabetes technology use for their research purposes. In contrast, NHW parents reported diabetes team expectation of diabetes technology use and did not report provider-related barriers. This study adds to existing literature advancing our understanding of the patient and provider mechanisms underlying racial disparities in diabetes technology use. This understanding may guide development of interventions focused on patients, providers, and structural factors to improve equity in use of diabetes technology by youth with type 1 diabetes.