Early-childhood body mass index and its association with the COVID-19 pandemic, containment measures and islet autoimmunity in children with increased risk for type 1 diabetes.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine whether BMI in early childhood was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures, and whether it was associated with the risk for islet autoimmunity. METHODS: Between February 2018 and May 2023, data on BMI and islet autoimmunity were collected from 1050 children enrolled in the Primary Oral Insulin Trial, aged from 4.0 months to 5.5 years of age. The start of the COVID-19 pandemic was defined as 18 March 2020, and a stringency index was used to assess the stringency of containment measures. Islet autoimmunity was defined as either the development of persistent confirmed multiple islet autoantibodies, or the development of one or more islet autoantibodies and type 1 diabetes. Multivariate linear mixed-effect, linear and logistic regression methods were applied to assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the stringency index on early-childhood BMI measurements (BMI as a time-varying variable, BMI at 9 months of age and overweight risk at 9 months of age), and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the effect of BMI measurements on islet autoimmunity risk. RESULTS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased time-varying BMI (ß = 0.39; 95% CI 0.30, 0.47) and overweight risk at 9 months (ß = 0.44; 95% CI 0.03, 0.84). During the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher stringency index was positively associated with time-varying BMI (ß = 0.02; 95% CI 0.00, 0.04 per 10 units increase), BMI at 9 months (ß = 0.13; 95% CI 0.01, 0.25) and overweight risk at 9 months (ß = 0.23; 95% CI 0.03, 0.43). A higher age-corrected BMI and overweight risk at 9 months were associated with increased risk for developing islet autoimmunity up to 5.5 years of age (HR 1.16; 95% CI 1.01, 1.32 and HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.00, 2.82, respectively). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Early-childhood BMI increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was influenced by the level of restrictions during the pandemic. Controlling for the COVID-19 pandemic, elevated BMI during early childhood was associated with increased risk for childhood islet autoimmunity in children with genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes.

Consensus guidance for monitoring individuals with islet autoantibody-positive pre-stage 3 type 1 diabetes.

Given the proven benefits of screening to reduce diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) likelihood at the time of stage 3 type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and emerging availability of therapy to delay disease progression, type 1 diabetes screening programmes are being increasingly emphasised. Once broadly implemented, screening initiatives will identify significant numbers of islet autoantibody-positive (IAb+) children and adults who are at risk of (confirmed single IAb+) or living with (multiple IAb+) early-stage (stage 1 and stage 2) type 1 diabetes. These individuals will need monitoring for disease progression; much of this care will happen in non-specialised settings. To inform this monitoring, JDRF in conjunction with international experts and societies developed consensus guidance. Broad advice from this guidance includes the following: (1) partnerships should be fostered between endocrinologists and primary-care providers to care for people who are IAb+; (2) when people who are IAb+ are initially identified there is a need for confirmation using a second sample; (3) single IAb+ individuals are at lower risk of progression than multiple IAb+ individuals; (4) individuals with early-stage type 1 diabetes should have periodic medical monitoring, including regular assessments of glucose levels, regular education about symptoms of diabetes and DKA, and psychosocial support; (5) interested people with stage 2 type 1 diabetes should be offered trial participation or approved therapies; and (6) all health professionals involved in monitoring and care of individuals with type 1 diabetes have a responsibility to provide education. The guidance also emphasises significant unmet needs for further research on early-stage type 1 diabetes to increase the rigour of future recommendations and inform clinical care.

Clinical care advice for monitoring of islet autoantibody positive individuals with presymptomatic type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that involves the development of autoantibodies against pancreatic islet beta-cell antigens, preceding clinical diagnosis by a period of preclinical disease activity. As screening activity to identify autoantibody-positive individuals increases, a rise in presymptomatic type 1 diabetes individuals seeking medical attention is expected. Current guidance on how to monitor these individuals in a safe but minimally invasive way is limited. This article aims to provide clinical guidance for monitoring individuals with presymptomatic type 1 diabetes to reduce the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis. METHODS: Expert consensus was obtained from members of the Fr1da, GPPAD, and INNODIA consortia, three European diabetes research groups. The guidance covers both specialist and primary care follow-up strategies. RESULTS: The guidance outlines recommended monitoring approaches based on age, disease stage and clinical setting. Individuals with presymptomatic type 1 diabetes are best followed up in specialist care. For stage 1, biannual assessments of random plasma glucose and HbA1c are suggested for children, while annual assessments are recommended for adolescents and adults. For stage 2, 3-monthly clinic visits with additional home monitoring are advised. The value of repeat OGTT in stage 1 and the use of continuous glucose monitoring in stage 2 are discussed. Primary care is encouraged to monitor individuals who decline specialist care, following the guidance presented. CONCLUSIONS: As type 1 diabetes screening programs become more prevalent, effective monitoring strategies are essential to mitigate the risk of complications such as DKA. This guidance serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, providing practical recommendations tailored to an individual's age and disease stage, both within specialist and primary care settings.

Infection episodes and islet autoantibodies in children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence rates of infection and islet autoimmunity in children at risk for type 1 diabetes. METHODS: 1050 children aged 4 to 7 months with an elevated genetic risk for type 1 diabetes were recruited from Germany, Poland, Sweden, Belgium and the UK. Reported infection episodes and islet autoantibody development were monitored until age 40 months from February 2018 to February 2023. RESULTS: The overall infection rate was 311 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 304-318) per 100 person years. Infection rates differed by age, country, family history of type 1 diabetes, and period relative to the pandemic. Total infection rates were 321 per 100 person-years (95% CI 304-338) in the pre-pandemic period (until February 2020), 160 (95% CI 148-173) per 100 person-years in the first pandemic year (March 2020-February 2021; P < 0.001) and 337 (95% CI 315-363) per 100 person-years in subsequent years. Similar trends were observed for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Islet autoantibody incidence rates were 1.6 (95% CI 1.0-2.4) per 100 person-years in the pre-pandemic period, 1.2 (95% CI 0.8-1.9) per 100 person-years in the first pandemic year (P = 0.46), and 3.4 (95% CI 2.3-4.8) per 100 person-years in subsequent years (P = 0.005 vs. pre-pandemic year; P < 0.001 vs. first pandemic year). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with significantly altered infection patterns. Islet autoantibody incidence rates increased two-fold when infection rates returned to pre-pandemic levels.

[Early Detection Of Type 1 Diabetes By Islet Autoantibody Screening: A Position Paper Of The Fr1daplex Project Leaders And Training Centres, Bvkj Bavaria And Paednetz (Registered) Bavaria]. / Früherkennung von Typ-1-Diabetes durch Inselautoantikörper-Screening ­ ein Positionspapier der Fr1daPlex-Projektleiter und -Schulungszentren, des BVKJ Bayern und PaedNetz Bayern e.V.

This position paper is based on the authors' many years of clinical experience and basic science research on the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with a presymptomatic early stage of type 1 diabetes. The benefits as well as potential disadvantages of early detection of type 1 diabetes by islet autoantibody screening are critically discussed. In addition, the perspectives of delaying the onset of the clinical metabolic disease through treatment with teplizumab are addressed. Today, we see the chance for a relevant improvement in therapeutic options and life perspectives of affected children and adolescents. Important next steps for the implementation of islet autoantibody screening in Germany are the training of pediatricians who should inform families about the screening, establishment of a few transregional laboratories that carry out the test, and expansion of regional capacities for the training and care of children with an early stage of type 1 diabetes.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Development of Islet Autoimmunity in Early Childhood.

Importance: The incidence of diabetes in childhood has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Elucidating whether SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with islet autoimmunity, which precedes type 1 diabetes onset, is relevant to disease etiology and future childhood diabetes trends. Objective: To determine whether there is a temporal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of islet autoimmunity in early childhood. Design, Setting, and Participants: Between February 2018 and March 2021, the Primary Oral Insulin Trial, a European multicenter study, enrolled 1050 infants (517 girls) aged 4 to 7 months with a more than 10% genetically defined risk of type 1 diabetes. Children were followed up through September 2022. Exposure: SARS-CoV-2 infection identified by SARS-CoV-2 antibody development in follow-up visits conducted at 2- to 6-month intervals until age 2 years from April 2018 through June 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: The development of multiple (≥2) islet autoantibodies in follow-up in consecutive samples or single islet antibodies and type 1 diabetes. Antibody incidence rates and risk of developing islet autoantibodies were analyzed. Results: Consent was obtained for 885 (441 girls) children who were included in follow-up antibody measurements from age 6 months. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies developed in 170 children at a median age of 18 months (range, 6-25 months). Islet autoantibodies developed in 60 children. Six of these children tested positive for islet autoantibodies at the same time as they tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and 6 at the visit after having tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The sex-, age-, and country-adjusted hazard ratio for developing islet autoantibodies when the children tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 3.5 (95% CI, 1.6-7.7; P = .002). The incidence rate of islet autoantibodies was 3.5 (95% CI, 2.2-5.1) per 100 person-years in children without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and 7.8 (95% CI, 5.3-19.0) per 100 person-years in children with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (P = .02). Islet autoantibody risk in children with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was associated with younger age (<18 months) of SARS-CoV-2 antibody development (HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 1.5-18.3; P = .009). Conclusion and relevance: In young children with high genetic risk of type 1 diabetes, SARS-CoV-2 infection was temporally associated with the development of islet autoantibodies.

Infections in the first year of life and development of beta cell autoimmunity and clinical type 1 diabetes in high-risk individuals: the TRIGR cohort.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Accumulated data suggest that infections in early life contribute to the development of type 1 diabetes. Using data from the Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR), we set out to assess whether children who later developed diabetes-related autoantibodies and/or clinical type 1 diabetes had different exposure to infections early in life compared with those who did not. METHODS: A cohort of 2159 children with an affected first-degree relative and HLA-conferred susceptibility to type 1 diabetes were recruited between 2002 and 2007 and followed until 2017. Infections were registered prospectively. The relationship between infections in the first year of life and the development of autoantibodies or clinical type 1 diabetes was analysed using univariable and multivariable Cox regression models. As this study was exploratory, no adjustment was made for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Adjusting for HLA, sex, breastfeeding duration and birth order, those who had seven or more infections during their first year of life were more likely to develop at least one positive type 1 diabetes-related autoantibody (p=0.028, HR 9.166 [95% CI 1.277, 65.81]) compared with those who had no infections. Those who had their first viral infection aged between 6 and 12 months were less likely to develop at least one positive type 1 diabetes-related antibody (p=0.043, HR 0.828 [95% CI 0.690, 0.994]) or multiple antibodies (p=0.0351, HR 0.664 [95% CI 0.453, 0.972]). Those who had ever had an unspecified bacterial infection were more likely to develop at least one positive type 1 diabetes-related autoantibody (p=0.013, HR 1.412 [95% CI 1.075, 1.854]), to develop multiple antibodies (p=0.037, HR 1.652 [95% CI 1.030, 2.649]) and to develop clinical type 1 diabetes (p=0.011, HR 2.066 [95% CI 1.182, 3.613]). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We found weak support for the assumption that viral infections early in life may initiate the autoimmune process or later development of type 1 diabetes. In contrast, certain bacterial infections appeared to increase the risk of both multiple autoantibodies and clinical type 1 diabetes.

Universal screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in 2 populations.

PURPOSE: In Europe, >2 million individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are currently undiagnosed. Effective screening strategies for FH diagnosis in childhood are urgently needed. We assessed the overall performances of 2 different FH screening programs in children: universal screening program with opt-out and opt-in type participation. METHODS: We analyzed the data from 2 independent populations based on >166,000 individuals screened for hypercholesterolemia. Genetic analyses of FH-related genes were finalized in 945 children and 99 parents. RESULTS: A total of 305 (32.3%) children were genotyped as positive or with a variant of uncertain significance in FH-related genes. For low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of 3.5 mmol L (135.3 mg/dL), the overall sensitivity and specificity for confirming FH were 90.5% and 55.3%, respectively. As part of child-parent screening, in >90% of the families, the parent with reported higher cholesterol levels was positive for the familial genetic variant. The cohort-based prevalence of FH from the opt-out universal screening program was estimated to be 1 in 431 individuals (95% CI = 1/391-1/472). CONCLUSION: Universal 3-step FH screening approach in children enabled detection of most children and their parents in every generation screened at reasonable costs. Opt-out screening strategy might be preferable over opt-in screening strategy.

The automated pancreas: A review of technologies and clinical practice.

Insulin pumps and glucose sensors are effective in improving diabetes therapy and reducing acute complications. The combination of both devices using an algorithm-driven interoperable controller makes automated insulin delivery (AID) systems possible. Many AID systems have been tested in clinical trials and have proven safety and effectiveness. However, currently, none of these systems are available for routine use in children younger than 6 years in Europe. For continued use, both users and prescribers must have sound knowledge of the features of the individual AID systems. Presently, all systems require various user interactions (e.g. meal announcements) because fully automated systems are not yet developed. Open-source systems are non-regulated variants to circumvent existing regulatory conditions. There are risks here for both users and prescribers. To evaluate AID therapy, the metric data of the glucose sensors, 'time in target range' and 'glucose management index', are novel recognized and suitable parameters allowing a consultation based on real glucose and insulin pump download data from the daily life of people with diabetes. Read out via cloud-based software or automatic download of such individual treatment data provides the ideal technical basis for shared decision-making through telemedicine, which must be further evaluated for general use.

Increased prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes and hypertension: The SWEET international database.

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), including dyslipidaemia, obesity and high glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration, in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and to evaluate their association with blood pressure (BP) categories. METHODS: We analysed 21 634 children and adolescents with T1D from the SWEET international database with office BP values assessed at a three or more visits within a year from 2010 to 2021. Participants were classified into a normotensive group, a group with elevated BP (90 to 94th percentile) or a hypertensive group (≥95th percentile), based on the median BP for the visits within the last treatment year. The prevalences of dyslipidaemia [cholesterol ≥ 5.18 mmol/L (200 mg/dL)  and/or HDL cholesterol ≤ 1.036 mmol/L (40 mg/dL)  and/or LDL cholesterol ≥ 2.59 mmol/L (100 mg/dL)], obesity (body mass index ≥2 standard deviation score) and elevated HbA1c [≥ 75 mmol/mol (9%)] were evaluated in patients within each BP group. RESULTS: Patients with hypertension/elevated BP had less favourable lipid profiles, and a higher prevalence of obesity and HbA1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol than normotensive patients. A total of 38.4% of hypertensive patients and 36.0% of those with elevated BP had one CVRF, 15.1% and 10.1%, respectively, had two CVRFs, and 2.3% and 0.8%, respectively, had three CVRFs. Patients with hypertension/elevated BP had a higher prevalence of one or more CVRFs versus normotensive patients (P < 0.001). Obesity was the CVRF most strongly related to hypertension. Girls had a higher prevalence of one or more CVRFs than boys. Similar results were found in patients aged ≥13 years with hypertension compared to those aged <13 years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of modifiable CVRFs is higher in children and adolescents with T1D who have elevated BP/hypertension than in those with normotension, suggesting that they are more vulnerable to future morbidity and mortality requiring early detection and intervention.

In-home use of a hybrid closed loop achieves time-in-range targets in preschoolers and school children: Results from a randomized, controlled, crossover trial.

AIM: To obtain additional information on the incremental differences between using a sensor-augmented pump (SAP) without automated insulin delivery (AID), using it with predictive low-glucose management (PLGM) or as hybrid closed loop (HCL), in preschool and school children. METHODS: We conducted a monocentric, randomized, controlled, two-phase crossover study in 38 children aged 2-6 and 7-14 years. The primary endpoint was the percentage of time in range (TIR) of 70-180 mg/dl. Other continuous glucose sensor metrics, HbA1c, patient-related outcomes (DISABKIDS questionnaire, Fear of Hypoglycaemia Survey) and safety events were also assessed. Results from 2 weeks of SAP, 8 weeks of PLGM and 8 weeks of HCL were compared using a paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Overall, we found a high rate of TIR target (>70%) achievement with HCL in preschool (88%) and school children (50%), with average times in Auto Mode of 93% and 87%, respectively. Preschool children achieved a mean TIR of 73% ± 6% (+8% vs. SAP, +6% vs. PLGM) and school children 69% ± 8% (+15% vs. SAP and + 14% vs. PLGM). Overall, HbA1c improved from 7.4% ± 0.9% to 6.9% ± 0.5% (P = .0002). Diabetes burden and worries and fear of hypoglycaemia remained at low levels, without significant changes versus PLGM. No events of severe hypoglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Preschool children profit from AID at least as much as those aged 7 years and older. To ensure safe use and prescribing modalities, regulatory approval is also required for young children.

Add-on therapy with dapagliflozin under full closed loop control improves time in range in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes: The DAPADream study.

AIM: To investigate the effect of the sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin on glucose levels overnight and during the following day after two unannounced meals under full closed loop (FCL) conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this single-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial, non-obese persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D) were studied twice (10 mg dapagliflozin bid vs. placebo) for 24 hours with two unannounced mixed meal tests 6 hours apart under FCL conditions. Primary outcome was sensor glucose time in range (TIR; 3.9-10 mmol/L). For safety evaluation, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucagon, insulin and gastric inhibitory polypeptide were measured. RESULTS: Fifteen adolescents (aged 15.4 ± 1.6 years, diabetes duration 10.0 ± 3.4 years, HbA1c 8.4% ± 0.9% [67.7 ± 10.1 mmol/mol]) and 15 young adults (aged 18.7 ± 0.8 years; diabetes duration 12.5 ± 3.6 years; HbA1c 8.3% ± 0.9% [68.5 ± 11.2 mmol/mol]) completed the trial. TIR was significantly higher in the intervention group compared with placebo (68% ± 6% vs. 50% ± 13%; P < .001); nocturnal glucose was significantly lower with dapagliflozin (6.2 ± 0.7 vs. 7.3 ± 1.7 mmol/L; P = .003) without an increase in time at less than 3.9 mmol/L (3.3% ± 6.0% vs 3.1% ± 5.2%; P = .75). Urinary glucose excretion was increased 3-fold using dapagliflozin (149 ± 42 vs. 49 ± 23 g/24 hours) with a total insulin reduction of 22% (39.7 ± 12.7 vs. 30.6 ± 10.4 U; P = .004). No abnormal elevated BHB values were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescents and adults with T1D, dapagliflozin significantly increased TIR on average by 259 minutes/day while reducing glycaemic variability during FCL control without any signs of hypoglycaemia or ketosis.

Increasing plasma glucose before the development of type 1 diabetes-the TRIGR study.

OBJECTIVE: The ß-cell stress hypothesis suggests that increased insulin demand contributes to the development of type 1 diabetes. In the TRIGR trial we set out to assess the profile of plasma glucose and HbA1c before the diagnosis of clinical diabetes compared to nondiabetic children. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A cohort of children (N = 2159) with an affected first-degree relative and increased HLA risk were recruited 2002-2007 and followed until 2017. To study the relationship between plasma glucose/HbA1c and the development of autoantibodies or clinical disease Kaplan-Meir curves were developed. Mixed models were constructed for plasma glucose and HbA1c separately. RESULTS: A family history of type 2 diabetes was related to an increase in plasma glucose (p < 0.001). An increase in glucose from the previous sample predicted clinical diabetes (p < 0.001) but not autoantibodies. An increase of HbA1c of 20% or 30% from the previous sample predicted the development of any autoantibody (p < 0.003 resp <0.001) and the development of diabetes (p < 0.002 resp <0.001. Participants without autoantibodies had lower HbA1c (mean 5.18%, STD 0.24; mean 33.08 mmol/mol, STD 2.85) than those who progressed to clinical disease (5.31%, 0.42; 34.46 mmol/mol, 4.68; p < 0.001) but higher than those who developed any autoantibody (5.10%, 0.30; 32.21 mmol/mol, 3.49; p < 0.001), or multiple autoantibodies (5.11%, 0.35; 32.26 mmol/mol, 3.92; p < 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: A pronounced increase in plasma glucose and HbA1c precedes development of clinical diabetes, while the association between plasma glucose or HbA1c and development of autoantibodies is complex. Increased insulin demand may contribute to development of type 1 diabetes.

[Type 1 diabetes: an update]. / Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 ­ Update.

The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been rising steadily over the last 30 years, especially among children and adolescents, with the result that the number of cases in this age group doubles every 20 years. The development of T1D goes through three stages, which can vary in duration from individual to individual. Late diagnosis or incorrect interpretation of the symptoms leads to the life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis, from which every third child in Germany suffers at the manifestation of T1D. Diabetes that manifests in adulthood is regularly misclassified and treated, at least initially, as type 2 diabetes. There are no fundamental differences in the insulin therapy of T1D in children, adolescents and adults. The use of insulin pump therapy and continuous glucose monitoring is steadily increasing with the aim of reducing the number and duration of hypo- and hyperglycemic episodes, increasing the time in range between 70-180 mg/dl (3,9-10 mmol/l) and reaching the treatment goal of an HbA1c below 7% (53 mmol/mol). In addition to the prevention of diabetes-related long-term microvascular complications, the timely detection and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors is of extraordinary importance also for young people with T1D.

Pediatric diabetes and skin disease (PeDiSkin): A cross-sectional study in 369 children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The spectrum of skin disorders in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their impact on affected persons are still incompletely understood. This study assessed the prevalence of skin diseases, cutaneous complications associated with T1D treatment and skin-related quality of life (QoL) in young T1D persons. METHODS: Participation in this interdisciplinary, single-center, cross-sectional, observational study was offered to all persons with T1D ≤20 years. Participants were characterized by a detailed medical history, routine laboratory workup, thorough clinical examinations and an established QoL questionnaire. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-nine persons were recruited (55% male; age 12.3 ± 4.4 years; HbA1c 7.4 ± 1.0%; mean ± SD). Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was used by 72.4%, multiple daily injections (MDI) by 27.6% and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) by 76%. Skin affections occurred in 91.8% of the study population. Device-associated lesions were most prevalent, including lipohypertrophy in 42.2% of MDI and 46.8% of CGM users and contact eczema associated with CSII or CGM in 14.2% and 18.3%, respectively. Diabetes-associated skin disorders and skin infections were rare or absent. Skin-related QoL impairment was low or absent in 95% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Skin diseases have a high prevalence and a broad spectrum in young persons with T1D. Eczematous reactions to CSII and CGM devices represent the most frequent skin complications. This highlights the need for regular skin checkups as an integral part of pediatric diabetes consultations and interdisciplinary cooperation for classification and treatment options.

Lipoatrophy in children, adolescents and adults with insulin pump treatment: Is there a beneficial effect of insulin glulisine?

AIM: To investigate whether zinc-free insulin is an effective treatment option for lipoatrophy. METHODS: Controlled, randomized, open-label parallel study in young people with type 1 diabetes, pump treatment and lipoatrophy at injection sites. Participants underwent dermatological examination and evaluation of affected areas using ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). After randomization, half of themswitched to insulin glulisine (intervention group) for 6 months. The control group continued their treatment with zinc-containing insulin and switched to insulin glulisine 6 months later. Both groups were followed-up until month 12. Primary endpoint was the increase of the relative thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer of the most atrophic site at 6 months as documented by MRI. RESULTS: Fourteen participants were included into the study. While relative thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue was comparable between intervention (-60% [-98.8 - -17.6], n = 7) and control group (-50% [-72.7 - -1.0], P = .511; median (range), n = 7)at baseline, it improved in the intervention (-14.3% [-85.7-83.3] vs -31.3% (-66.7-0), P = .031), but not in the control group (P = .125) after 6 months. At 12 months, relative fat thickness (P = .003), number (P = .015) and size of most atrophic sites (P = .001) were improved in the intervention group. Number (P = .018) and size of most atrophic sites (P = .008) were also reduced in the control group between 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although the present pilot study is based on a small sample, the data give first hint that the use of the zinc-free insulin glulisine may be beneficial in people with diabetes, pump and lipoatrophy.

Association of diabetic ketoacidosis and HbA1c at onset with year-three HbA1c in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes: Data from the International SWEET Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To establish whether diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or HbA1c at onset is associated with year-three HbA1c in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: Children with T1D from the SWEET registry, diagnosed <18 years, with documented clinical presentation, HbA1c at onset and follow-up were included. Participants were categorized according to T1D onset: (a) DKA (DKA with coma, DKA without coma, no DKA); (b) HbA1c at onset (low [<10%], medium [10 to <12%], high [≥12%]). To adjust for demographics, linear regression was applied with interaction terms for DKA and HbA1c at onset groups (adjusted means with 95% CI). Association between year-three HbA1c and both HbA1c and presentation at onset was analyzed (Vuong test). RESULTS: Among 1420 children (54% males; median age at onset 9.1 years [Q1;Q3: 5.8;12.2]), 6% of children experienced DKA with coma, 37% DKA without coma, and 57% no DKA. Year-three HbA1c was lower in the low compared to high HbA1c at onset group, both in the DKA without coma (7.1% [6.8;7.4] vs 7.6% [7.5;7.8], P = .03) and in the no DKA group (7.4% [7.2;7.5] vs 7.8% [7.6;7.9], P = .01), without differences between low and medium HbA1c at onset groups. Year-three HbA1c did not differ among HbA1c at onset groups in the DKA with coma group. HbA1c at onset as an explanatory variable was more closely associated with year-three HbA1c compared to presentation at onset groups (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Year-three HbA1c is more closely related to HbA1c than to DKA at onset; earlier hyperglycemia detection might be crucial to improving year-three HbA1c.

Beyond type 2 diabetes: sodium glucose co-transporter-inhibition in type 1 diabetes.

Use of sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors are a well-established therapeutic option in type 2 diabetes (T2D) with a variety of proven therapeutic benefits. They have become a pillar of current treatment guidelines. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), initial exploratory studies have shown benefits in glycemic control, weight control, and cardiovascular risk parameters, leading to trials aiming for regulatory submission with several agents. Results from four 1-year trials, which included a total of 3052 patients, are now available, demonstrating promising findings that target the unmet needs of patients with T1D with a novel insulin-independent adjunct therapy. However, these positive effects must be balanced against the risks associated with this class of drugs. Specifically, current T1D studies have shown an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which, in some cases, presented with only slightly elevated glucose levels. While this complication may be clinically manageable once detected, the metabolic shift towards ketogenesis associated with this class of agents mandates appropriate patient selection. Currently, there are no validated tools for DKA risk assessment. Although the experience gained in studies and off-label use provides some indication for appropriate patient selection, this would have to be evaluated closely in the event that these drugs would receive regulatory approval. Risk mitigation includes training in ketone measurement (preferably as blood ß-hydroxybutyrate testing), teaching the concept of euglycemic DKA, and providing a clear treatment algorithm to avoid progression of ketosis to full-blown DKA. Because similar unmet needs also exist in pediatric population studies, risk mitigation in youth should be initiated as well to allow an evidence-based, risk-benefit assessment in this vulnerable population.

DREAM5: An open-label, randomized, cross-over study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of day and night closed-loop control by comparing the MD-Logic automated insulin delivery system to sensor augmented pump therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes at home.

AIMS: Previous DREAM studies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the CE marked MD-Logic closed-loop system (DreaMed GlucoSitter) in different settings for overnight glycaemic control. The present study aimed to evaluate the system for day and night use for 60 hours during the weekend at home compared to sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy in participants with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentre, crossover, controlled study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01238406). All participants were connected in randomized order for one weekend to SAP therapy or the MD-Logic System. In the intervention arm only, the amount of carbohydrate was entered into the bolus calculator; the rest of insulin delivery was automated and wireless via a tablet computer. The primary endpoint was percentage of glucose values between 70 and 180 mg/dL. RESULTS: The ITT population comprised 48 (19 males, 29 females) adolescents and adults experienced in sensor use: (median, [IQR]): age, 16.1years [13.2-18.5]; diabetes duration, 9.4 years [5.0-12.7]; pump use, 5.4 years [3.1-9.4]; HbA1c, 7.6% [7.0-8.1]. A significant increase in the percentage of time within target range (70-180 mg/dL) (66.6% vs 59.9%, P = 0.002) was observed with the closed-loop system vs control weekends with unchanged percentage of time below 70 mg/dL (2.3% vs 1.5%, P = 0.369). Mean weekend glucose level per participant was significantly lower (153 [142-175] vs 164 [150-186] mg/dL, P = 0.003). No safety signals were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The MD-Logic system was safe and associated with better glycaemic control than SAP therapy for day and night use. The absence of remote monitoring did not lead to safety signals in adapting basal rates nor in administration of automated bolus corrections.