Exploring Technology's Influence on Health Behaviours and Well-being in Type 1 Diabetes: a Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Maintaining positive health behaviours promotes better health outcomes for people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, implementing these behaviours may also lead to additional management burdens and challenges. Diabetes technologies, including continuous glucose monitoring systems, automated insulin delivery systems, and digital platforms, are being rapidly developed and widely used to reduce these burdens. Our aim was to review recent evidence to explore the influence of these technologies on health behaviours and well-being among adults with T1D and discuss future directions. RECENT FINDINGS: Current evidence, albeit limited, suggests that technologies applied in diabetes self-management education and support (DSME/S), nutrition, physical activity (PA), and psychosocial care areas improved glucose outcomes. They may also increase flexibility in insulin adjustment and eating behaviours, reduce carb counting burden, increase confidence in PA, and reduce mental burden. Technologies have the potential to promote health behaviours changes and well-being for people with T1D. More confirmative studies on their effectiveness and safety are needed to ensure optimal integration in standard care practices.

Physical Activity in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, systemic condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. IBD can be severe and are associated with impairment in growth, school absences, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Physical activity (PA) could have an anti-inflammatory effect in addition to other benefits. It is important to address the possible risks, physiological effects of PA, and potential barriers, and facilitators for PA participation in pediatric IBD. However, potential barriers and facilitators to PA have yet to be adequately described. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review to map and describe the current literature on PA in pediatric IBD populations between 1980 and April 2022 using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines for Scoping reviews. RESULTS: Nineteen articles were identified including 10 descriptive, 6 interventional, and 3 physiological responses to PA studies. Patients and healthy controls demonstrated similar responses to exercise. Barriers to participation were low self-esteem, body image, and active IBD symptoms. Facilitators included personal interest, activity with friends, and support from family. CONCLUSION: This review highlighted that PA participation may reduce in children with IBD-related symptoms. Short- and medium-term impacts of PA on immune modulation require further study; it is possible that regular PA does not negatively affect biomarkers of disease activity.

Does Insulin Delivery Technology Change Our Relationship with Foods? A Scoping Review.

Introduction: Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems reduce burden and improve glycemic management for people with type 1 diabetes (PwT1D) by automatically adjusting insulin as a response to measured glucose levels. There is a lack of evidence on AID and nutrition variables such as dietary intake, eating behaviors, and disordered eating. Objectives: This scoping review aims to provide a summary of the literature regarding AID and nutrition variables and to identify gaps that require further investigation. Methods: Two researchers conducted a blinded search of Medline (OVID) and PubMed for studies, including AID use (compared to non-AID use) and nutrition variables. Studies from January 2000 to July 2023 were included, as were PwT1D of all ages. Results: A total of 3132 articles were screened for appropriateness. After exclusions, 7 studies were included (2017-2023): 4 qualitative, 1 crossover, 1 randomized controlled, and 1 observational. Studies included adolescents (n = 1), adults (n = 3) or both (n = 2), and all ages (n = 1). In quantitative studies, AID was associated with lower eating distress (-0.43 ± 0.12, P = 0.004) and higher quality of life (3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.8-5.4, P = 0.01), but not grams of carbohydrates at meals (1.0; 95% CI: -0.7 to 3.0; P = 0.24) and snacks (0.004; 95% CI: -0.8 to 0.8; P = 0.99) compared to non-AID use. In qualitative studies, AID increased the frequency and portions of food intake and led to less dietary control from parents. AID users reported eating foods higher in energy density. PwT1D were less worried about achieving accurate carbohydrate counting (CC) when using AID. Conclusions: AID use appears to influence eating behaviors, dietary patterns, and CC, although evidence was limited. AID may reduce food management burden due to the perception that AID can correct for CC inaccuracy. Significance: Further research needs to determine if AID allows for simplification of CC and improves eating behaviors while maintaining glycemic stability.

Characteristics associated with having a hemoglobin A1c ≤ 7 % (≤53 mmol/mol) among adults with type 1 diabetes using an automated insulin delivery system.

BACKGROUND: We aim to investigate which characteristics are associated with having an HbA1c ≤ 7 % (≤53 mmol/mol) among adult automated insulin delivery (AID) users living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS: Cross-sectional study using data from the T1D BETTER registry. INCLUSION CRITERIA: aged ≥ 18 years old, using a commercial AID system, and with a reported HbA1c range value. Participants were divided into two groups (HbA1c ≤ 7 % group, N = 57; and HbA1c > 7 % group, N = 74). RESULTS: A total of 131 participants were included: 61.8 % females, median age (Q1-Q3) was 43.0 (30.0, 55.0) years, and median duration of T1D was 24.0 (16.0, 36.0) years. Logistic regression analysis suggested that participants with a bachelor's degree or above were more likely (OR 3.04, 95 %CI 1.22, 7.58; P = 0.017) and with a longer duration of pump use were less likely (OR 0.90, 95 %CI 0.84, 0.98; P = 0.009) to report an HbA1c ≤ 7 % when using an AID, after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and annual household income. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that among AID users, in order to maximize benefits, additional support is needed for those who do not have a bachelor's degree and/or who have been using an insulin pump for a long time.

Hyperglycemia-related anxiety during competition in an elite athlete with type 1 diabetes: A case report.

AIM: Managing blood glucose (BG) levels during intense physical activity is challenging for elite athletes with type 1 diabetes (T1D), as it can lead to unpredictable hyper- or hypoglycemia, which can affect performance. This case study presents an 18-year-old male hockey goalie with hyperglycemia-related anxiety during competition and its impact on his T1D management. METHODS: Mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative data from an unstructured interview and responses from the Hyperglycemia Avoidance Scale along with quantitative data retrieved from Diasend and laboratory results. RESULTS: The athlete experiences physical and cognitive symptoms during hyperglycemia, affecting his performance. Hyperglycemia-related anxiety influences insulin dosage adjustments and eating habits on game days. Glycemic variability analysis reveals lower BG levels during game time. CONCLUSION: Hyperglycemia-related anxiety leads to modified therapeutic and lifestyle regimens on competition day. Tailored treatment programs are needed for elite athletes with T1D and hyperglycemia-related anxiety.

Effect of diabetes technologies on the fear of hypoglycaemia among people living with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Fear of hypoglycaemia (FOH) significantly disrupts the daily management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and increases the risk of complications. Recent technological advances can improve glucose metrics and reduce hypoglycaemia frequency, yet their impact on FOH is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) aimed to synthesize the current literature to understand the impact of diabetes technologies on FOH in T1D. Methods: In this SRMA, we searched PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception up to May 21st, 2023 for studies assessing the effect of using real-time or intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitors (rtCGM or isCGM); insulin pumps (CSII); and their combinations on FOH as the primary outcome, measured using the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey (HFS; including total, worries [HFS-W], and behaviours [HFS-B] scores), in non-pregnant adults with T1D. Data was extracted by the first and second authors. Results were pooled using a random-effects model based on study design (RCT and non-RCT), with subgroup analysis based on the type of technology, reported change in hypoglycaemia frequency, and duration of use. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute tools. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021253618. Findings: A total of 51 studies (n = 8966) were included, 22 of which were RCTs. Studies on rtCGM and CSII reported lower FOH levels with ≥8 weeks of use. Studies on CSII and rtCGM combinations reported lower FOH levels after ≥13 weeks of automated insulin delivery (AID) use or 26 weeks of sensor-augmented pump (SAP) use. The meta-analysis showed an overall lower FOH with technologies, specifically for the HFS-W subscale. The RCT meta-analysis showed lower HFS-W scores with rtCGM use (standard mean difference [95%CI]: -0.14 [-0.23, -0.05], I2 = 0%) and AID (-0.17 [-0.33, -0.01], I2 = 0%). Results from non-RCT studies show that SAP users (-0.33 [-0.38, -0.27], I2 = 0%) and rtCGM users (-0.38 [-0.61, -0.14], I2 = 0%) had lower HFS-W. Interpretation: We found consistent, yet small to moderate, effects supporting that diabetes technologies (specifically rtCGM, SAP, and AID) may reduce hypoglycaemia-related worries in adults with T1D. Current literature, however, has limitations including discrepancies in baseline characteristics and limited, mainly descriptive, statistical analysis. Thus, future studies should assess FOH as a primary outcome, use validated surveys, and appropriate statistical analysis to evaluate the clinical impacts of technology use beyond just glucose metrics. Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Ltd.

Gender differences in reported frequency and consequences of hypoglycemia among adults living with type 1 diabetes: Results from the BETTER registry.

AIMS: To evaluate the frequency and consequences of level 2 (L2H, glucose level < 3.0 mmol/L with autonomous management) and level 3 hypoglycemia (L3H requiring external assistance to treat), in adults living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), while investigating the role of gender. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of self-reported retrospective data from a Canadian registry of 900 adults living with T1D using logistic regression models adjusted for age, T1D management modalities, hypoglycemia history, and validated patient-reported outcomes scales. Changes in diabetes management, seeking healthcare resources, and impacts on daily well-being were explored. RESULTS: Of the 900 adults (66% women, mean age 43.7 ± 14.8 years, mean T1D duration 25.5 ± 14.6 years), 87% used wearable diabetes technology. L3H in the past year was reported by 15% participants, similar between genders. Women reported more L2H than men (median (Q1, Q3): 4 (2, 10) vs 3 (1,8), p = 0.015), and were more likely to report persistent fatigue after both L2H and L3H (Odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.95 [1.16, 3.28] and 1.86 [1.25, 2.75], respectively) and anxiety (1.70 [1.05, 2.75]) after a L3H. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest taking a gender-based differential approach when addressing hypoglycemia and its various consequences for people living with T1D.

Are nocturnal hypoglycemia prevention strategies influenced by diabetes technology usage? A BETTER registry analysis.

AIM: To assess the association of nocturnal hypoglycemia prevention strategies (NH-PS) and diabetes technology usage (insulin pump and/or continuous glucose monitors [CGM]) in people with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D). METHODS: Logistic regression models were used to describe associations between self-reported NH-PS and diabetes technology (pump with intermittently-scanned or real-time CGM (isCGM or rtCGM), or automated insulin delivery (AID)), hypoglycemia history, and fear of hypoglycemia (FOH). RESULTS: Among 831 adults (65 % female, aged 44 ± 15 years, T1D duration 26 ± 15 years), 32 % reported HbA1c ≤ 7.0 %, 88 % used ≥ 1 diabetes technology, 66 % reported ≥ 1 symptomatic NH in the past month, and 64 % used ≥ 2 NH-PS. Compared to multiple daily injections (MDI) + capillary blood glucose (CBG), bedtime snack consumption was less likely among pump + isCGM (OR [95 %CI]: 0.55 [0.31, 0.98]), pump + rtCGM (0.40 [0.20, 0.81]), and AID (0.34 [0.17, 0.66]) users, while evening insulin basal reduction was associated with CSII + CBG (3.15 [1.25, 7.99]), pump + isCGM 4.00 [1.99, 8.01]), and pump + rtCGM 2.89 [1.28, 6.50] use. Elevated FOH was associated with snack consumption (1.37 [1.00, 1.89]), evening bolus insulin avoidance (1.77 [1.11, 2.83]), limiting exercise (2.50 [1.30, 4.82]), and limiting alcohol consumption (2.33 [1.15, 4.70]) as NH-PS. CONCLUSION: Technology use and elevated FOH might influence PWT1D' choice of NH-PS.

Associations Between Socioeconomic Status and Patient Experience With Type 1 Diabetes Management and Complications: Cross-sectional Analysis of a Cohort From Québec, Canada.

BACKGROUND: Low socioeconomic status (SES) may add to the challenges of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management and be an independent risk factor for chronic and acute diabetes complications. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the association between SES and TID management and risk of complications in a universal health-care system using data from a registry of people living with T1D (PWT1D) in Québec, Canada (the BETTER registry). METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis describing the association between SES factors (education, income, employment and insurance coverage) and T1D outcomes (glycated hemoglobin [A1C], acute and chronic complications and comorbidities), using chi-square tests and regression analyses (adjusted for diabetes duration, sex, ethnicity and diabetes technology use). RESULTS: In a sample of 1,333 PWT1D, lower education level was associated with cardiovascular disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.44; p=0.002), depression (OR, 1.56; p=0.020), nephropathy (OR, 2.10; p=0.001) and higher A1C (OR, 1.79; p<0.001). Low-income groups were more likely to report higher A1C (OR, 2.16; p=0.001), retinopathy (OR, 1.84; p=0.038), neuropathy (OR, 1.89; p=0.043), nephropathy (OR, 2.23; p=0.024), severe hypoglycemia (OR, 1.87; p=0.022) and depression (OR, 1.87; p=0.012). Unemployment was associated with retinopathy (OR, 2.37; p=0.009) and neuropathy (OR, 1.96; p=0.035). Diabetic ketoacidosis (OR, 2.81; p=0.001) and neuropathy (OR, 1.67; p=0.020) were more likely to be reported by participants with public insurance. CONCLUSIONS: PWT1D from lower SES, particularly those with low income and low education, were more likely to report T1D-related complications and comorbidities. Further longitudinal investigations are needed to better understand the nature and directionality of these associations.

Self-reported Severe and Nonsevere Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes: Population Surveillance Through the BETTER Patient Engagement Registry: Development and Baseline Characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: The BETTER (BEhaviors, Therapies, TEchnologies and hypoglycemic Risk in Type 1 diabetes) registry is a type 1 diabetes population surveillance system codeveloped with patient partners to address the burden of hypoglycemia and assess the impact of new therapies and technologies. The aim of this report was to describe the baseline characteristics of the BETTER registry cohort. METHODS: A cross-sectional baseline evaluation was performed of a Canadian clinical cohort established after distribution of an online questionnaire. Participants were recruited through clinics, public foundations, advertising and social media. As of February 2021, 1,430 persons ≥14 years of age and living with type 1 diabetes or latent-autoimmune diabetes (LADA) were enrolled. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03720197). RESULTS: Participants were (mean ± standard deviation) 41.2±15.7 years old with a diabetes duration of 22.0±14.7 years, 62.0% female, 92.1% Caucasian and 7.8% self-reporting as LADA, with 40.9% using a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) system and 78.0% using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system. The most recent glycated hemoglobin ≤7% was reported by 29.7% of participants. At least 1 episode of hypoglycemia <3.0 mmol/L (level 2-H) in the last month was reported by 78.4% of participants, with a median (interquartile range) of 5 (3, 10) episodes. The occurrence of severe hypoglycemia (level 3-H) in the last 12 months was reported by 13.3% of participants. Among these, the median number of episodes was 2 (1, 3). CONCLUSIONS: We have established the first surveillance registry for people living with type 1 diabetes in Canada relying on patient-reported outcomes and experiences. Hypoglycemia is a highly prevalent burden despite a relatively wide adoption of CSII and CGM use.

Association of Caloric Intake, Protein Intake, and Enteral Feeding Initiation with Weight Gain in Infants Born 32 to 34 Weeks' Gestation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the association of caloric intake, protein intake, and enteral feed initiation time in the first 3 days of life with weight loss percentage (%WL) at 7 days among infants born 32 to 34 weeks' gestational age (GA). STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study of 252 infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Patient data included patient characteristics, daily weight, intake, and method of nutrition in the first 3 days. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore associations between outcome (%WL at day 7 of life) and exposures (caloric intake, protein intake, and enteral feed initiation time) and adjusted for covariates (GA, birth weight, and sex). RESULTS: Median 7 days %WL was 2.3% (interquartile range: -5.2, 1.2). Average caloric intake and average protein intake in the first 3 days were 57 kcal/kg/d and 2.3 g/kg/d. In the adjusted linear regression, caloric intake and protein intake (coefficient = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.06, 0.09 and coefficient = 0.11, 95% CI: -0.36, 2.30) were not associated with %WL at 7 days. Enteral feeds ≤12 hours were associated with less %WL at 7 days of life (Coef = -0.15, 95% CI: -2.67, -0.17). CONCLUSION: Enteral feeds ≤12 hours after delivery is associated with lower %WL at 7 days among preterm infants 32 to 34 weeks' GA.