Developments in stem cell-derived islet replacement therapy for treating type 1 diabetes.

The generation of islet-like endocrine clusters from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has the potential to provide an unlimited source of insulin-producing ß cells for the treatment of diabetes. In order for this cell therapy to become widely adopted, highly functional and well-characterized stem cell-derived islets (SC-islets) need to be manufactured at scale. Furthermore, successful SC-islet replacement strategies should prevent significant cell loss immediately following transplantation and avoid long-term immune rejection. This review highlights the most recent advances in the generation and characterization of highly functional SC-islets as well as strategies to ensure graft viability and safety after transplantation.

Diabetes Care Barriers, Use, and Health Outcomes in Younger Adults With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Importance: Treatment challenges exist for younger adults with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Health care coverage, access to, and use of diabetes care are not well delineated in these high-risk populations. Objective: To compare patterns of health care coverage, access to, and use of diabetes care and determine their associations with glycemia among younger adults with T1D and with T2D. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study analyzed data from a survey that was jointly developed by 2 large, national cohort studies: the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth (SEARCH) study, an observational study of individuals with youth-onset T1D or T2D, and the Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) study, a randomized clinical trial (2004-2011) followed by an observational study (2012-2020). The interviewer-directed survey was administered during in-person study visits in both studies between 2017 and 2019. Data analyses were performed between May 2021 and October 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: Survey questions addressed health care coverage, usual sources of diabetes care, and frequency of care use. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were assayed in a central laboratory. Patterns of health care factors and HbA1c levels were compared by diabetes type. Results: The analysis included 1371 participants (mean [range] age, 25 [18-36] years; 824 females [60.1%]), of whom 661 had T1D and 250 had T2D from the SEARCH study and 460 had T2D from the TODAY study. Participants had a mean (SD) diabetes duration of 11.8 (2.8) years. More participants with T1D than T2D in both the SEARCH and TODAY studies reported health care coverage (94.7%, 81.6%, and 86.7%), access to diabetes care (94.7%, 78.1%, and 73.4%), and use of diabetes care (88.1%, 80.5%, and 73.6%). Not having health care coverage was associated with significantly higher mean (SE) HbA1c levels in participants with T1D in the SEARCH study (no coverage, 10.8% [0.5%]; public, 9.4% [0.2%]; private, 8.7% [0.1%]; P < .001) and participants with T2D from the TODAY study (no coverage, 9.9% [0.3%]; public, 8.7% [0.2%]; private, 8.7% [0.2%]; P = .004). Medicaid expansion vs without expansion was associated with more health care coverage (participants with T1D: 95.8% vs 90.2%; participants with T2D in SEARCH: 86.1% vs 73.9%; participants with T2D in TODAY: 93.6% vs 74.2%) and lower HbA1c levels (participants with T1D: 9.2% vs 9.7%; participants with T2D in SEARCH: 8.4% vs 9.3%; participants with T2D in TODAY: 8.7% vs 9.3%). The T1D group incurred higher median (IQR) monthly out-of-pocket expenses than the T2D group ($74.50 [$10.00-$309.00] vs $10.00 [$0-$74.50]). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this study suggested that lack of health care coverage and of an established source of diabetes care were associated with significantly higher HbA1c levels for participants with T1D, but inconsistent results were found for participants with T2D. Increased access to diabetes care (eg, through Medicaid expansion) may be associated with improved health outcomes, but additional strategies are needed, particularly for individuals with T2D.

Text message-based intervention, Keeping in Touch (KiT), to support youth as they transition to adult type 1 diabetes care: a protocol for a multisite randomised controlled superiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: Transition from paediatric to adult care can be challenging for youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), as many youth feel unprepared to transfer to adult care and are at high risk for deterioration of glycaemic management and acute complications. Existing strategies to improve transition experience and outcomes are limited by cost, scalability, generalisability and youth engagement. Text messaging is an acceptable, accessible and cost-effective way of engaging youth. Together with adolescents and emerging adults and paediatric and adult T1D providers, we co-designed a text message-based intervention, Keeping in Touch (KiT), to deliver tailored transition support. Our primary objective is to test the effectiveness of KiT on diabetes self-efficacy in a randomised controlled trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will randomise 183 adolescents with T1D aged 17-18 years within 4 months of their final paediatric diabetes visit to the intervention or usual care. KiT will deliver tailored T1D transition support via text messages over 12 months based on a transition readiness assessment. The primary outcome, self-efficacy for diabetes self-management, will be measured 12 months after enrolment. Secondary outcomes, measured at 6 and 12 months, include transition readiness, perceived T1D-related stigma, time between final paediatric and first adult diabetes visits, haemoglobin A1c, and other glycaemia measures (for continuous glucose monitor users), diabetes-related hospitalisations and emergency department visits and the cost of implementing the intervention. The analysis will be intention-to-treat comparing diabetes self-efficacy at 12 months between groups. A process evaluation will be conducted to identify elements of the intervention and individual-level factors influencing implementation and outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol version 7 July 2022 and accompanying documents were approved by Clinical Trials Ontario (Project ID: 3986) and the McGill University Health Centre (MP-37-2023-8823). Study findings will be presented at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed publications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05434754.

[Diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence (Update 2023)]. / Diabetes mellitus im Kindes- und Jugendalter (Update 2023).

In contrast to adults, type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is the most frequent form of diabetes in childhood and adolescence (> 90%). After diagnosis the management of children and adolescents with T1D should take place in highly specialized pediatric units experienced in pediatric diabetology. The lifelong substitution of insulin is the cornerstone of treatment whereby modalities need to be individually adapted for patient age and the family routine. In this age group the usage of diabetes technology (glucose sensors, insulinpumps and recently hybrid-closed-loop-systems) is recommended. An optimal metabolic control right from the start of therapy is associated with an improved long-term prognosis. Diabetes education is essential in the management of patients with diabetes and their families and needs to be performed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a pediatric diabetologists, diabetes educator, dietitian, psychologist and social worker. The Austrian working group for pediatric endocrinology and diabetes (APEDÖ) and the ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes) recommend a metabolic goal of HbA1c ≤ 7.0%, ((IFCC) < 53 mmol/mol), and a "Time in range" > 70% for all pediatric age groups without the presence of severe hypoglycemia. Age-related physical, cognitive and psychosocial development, screening for associated diseases, avoidance of acute diabetes-related complications (severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis) and prevention of diabetes-related late complications to ensure high quality of life are the main goals of diabetes treatment in all pediatric age groups.

Continuous glucose monitoring empowers adolescents to take responsibility of diabetes management.

BACKGROUND: Managing diabetes is especially challenging for adolescents, and they often struggle to believe they can manage the condition. Illness perception has been widely associated with better diabetes management outcomes, but the influence of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on adolescents has been largely neglected. AIM: The study aimed to explore the illness perception of a group of adolescents living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using CGM. SETTING: The study was conducted at a medical centre that provides diabetes care services to youth living with T1D in Parktown, South Africa. METHODS: A qualitative research approach using semi-structured online interviews was used to gather data that was thematically analysed. RESULTS: Themes emerging from the data confirmed that CGM creates a sense of control over diabetes management as blood glucose measures were more visible. A sense of normalcy was established as CGM influences a new routine and a way of life, integrating diabetes into a young person's identity. Despite the users' awareness of being different due to diabetes management, CGM assisted in creating a sense of belonging, contributing to developing a better quality of life. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study support the use of CGM as a means of empowering adolescents struggling with diabetes management to achieve better treatment outcomes. The important role of illness perception in facilitating this change was also evident.Contribution: By listening to the adolescent's voice, CGM was identified as a possible intervention to empower adolescents to improve diabetes management.

Effect of smartphone apps on glycemic control in young patients with type 1 diabetes: A meta-analysis.

Objectives: Achieving glycemic control is a great challenge for young patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), especially during the transition from childhood to adulthood. As various smartphone apps have been developed to improve glycemic control in T1D, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of smartphone apps on glycemic control in young patients with T1D. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials comparing combined usual care and smartphone app treatment to usual care alone. This meta-analysis is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. The primary outcomes were the weighted difference in means (WMD) of HbA1c change from baseline and the person-years incidence of mild hypoglycemia or severe hypoglycemia between intervention and control groups. We assessed pooled data by use of a random-effects model. Results: Of 1,190 identified studies, nine were eligible and included in our analysis (N = 748 participants). Relative to the control, using smartphone apps yielded a non-significant reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (WMD = -0.26, 95% CI: -0.56 to 0.05; p = 0.10) and no increased frequency of mild hypoglycemia (WMD = 1.87, 95% CI: -1.52 to 5.27; p = 0.49) or severe hypoglycemia (WMD = -0.04, 95% CI: -0.35 to 0.27; p = 0.80). In further subgroup analysis, compared with the recording-style app group, the auxiliary-style app group exhibited a significant reduction in HbA1c (WMD = -0.83, 95% CI: -1.10 to -0.56, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The current pooled data analysis did not reveal a significant reduction in HbA1c in young patients with T1D undergoing treatment with smartphone apps and usual care in combination. However, auxiliary-style apps with insulin or carbo calculators were beneficial in reducing HbA1c.

Involvement of Racially and Ethnically Minoritized Youths in Behavioral Type 1 Diabetes Interventions: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Psychosocial interventions targeting glycemic health in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have been promising. Nonetheless, disparities in T1D treatment and outcomes are pervasive among racially/ethnically minoritized (REM) youth and a systematic review examining the inclusion of REM youth in psychosocial interventions is lacking. Therefore, the present systematic review examined the literature to determine the inclusion of REM youth with T1D in psychosocial interventions. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted per PRISMA guidelines for psychosocial intervention studies of youth (<19 years) with T1D between 2011 and 2022 using PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and MedLine. Tables of contents for JPP, CPPP, and Diabetes Care were also reviewed. The date last searched was April 26, 2022. Studies were examined for risk of bias using the QualSyst rating system. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies met inclusion criteria with a total of 3,117 participants. Studies utilized various psychological interventions (e.g., CBT, MI, behavioral modalities). Seventeen studies reported participants' race/ethnicity and eleven studies included >20% REM youth. CONCLUSIONS: One study examined the impact of interventions on REM youth or whether the intervention reduces existing racial/ethnic disparities. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

Flash glucose monitoring in young people with type 1 diabetes-a qualitative study of young people, parents and health professionals: 'It makes life much easier'.

OBJECTIVES: Flash glucose monitoring for patients with T1 diabetes avoids frequent painful finger-prick testing, thus potentially improving frequency of glucose self-monitoring. Our study aimed to explore experiences of young people using Freestyle Libre sensors and their parents, and to identify benefits and challenges to National Health Service (NHS) staff of its adoption in their care provision. PARTICIPANTS: Young people with T1 diabetes, their parents and healthcare professionals were interviewed between February and December 2021. Participants were recruited via social media and through NHS diabetes clinic staff. DESIGN: Semistructured interviews were conducted online and analysed using thematic methods. Staff themes were mapped onto normalisation process theory (NPT) constructs. RESULTS: Thirty-four participants were interviewed: 10 young people, 14 parents and 10 healthcare professionals. Young people reported that life was much easier since changing to flash glucose monitoring, increasing confidence and independence to manage their condition. Parents' quality of life improved and they appreciated access to real-time data. Using the NPT concepts to understand how technology was integrated into routine care proved useful; health professionals were very enthusiastic about flash glucose monitoring and coped with the extra data load to facilitate more tailored patient support within and between clinic visits. CONCLUSION: This technology empowers young people and their parents to understand their diabetes adherence more completely; to feel more confident about adjusting their own care between clinic appointments; and provides an improved interactive experience in clinic. Healthcare teams appear committed to delivering improving technologies, acknowledging the challenge for them to assimilate new information required to provide expert advice.

Human Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells in Type One Diabetes Mellitus Treatment: Is There an Ideal Candidate?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a highly prevalent autoimmune disease causing the destruction of pancreatic islet ß-cells. The resulting insulin production deficiency leads to a lifelong need for insulin re-placement therapy, systemic complications, and reduced life quality and expectancy. Cell therapy has been extensively attempted to restore insulin independence (IID), and autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHST) has appeared to give the most promising results, but with a highly variable quote of patients achieving IID across the studies. We performed a comprehensive review of the trials involving stem cells, and in particular AHST, for the treatment of T1DM. We then pooled the patients enrolled in the different trials and looked for the patient characteristics that could be associated with the achievement of IID. We found a significantly higher probability of achieving IID in older patients (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.06-1.33, p = 0.002) and a significantly lower probability in patients with a history of ketoacidosis (OR 0.23, 95%CI 0.06-0.78, p = 0.023). This suggests that there could be a population of patients more likely to benefit from AHST, but further data would be required to depict the profile of the ideal candidate.

Type 1 diabetes in low and middle-income countries - Tanzania a streak of hope.

Introduction: In several of the Low and Middle Income countries , many patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are most probably not diagnosed at all which may contribute to their low incidence. As an example of a country with low income and poor resources, we have chosen to study T1D in children/young people in Tanzania. Methods: Analyses of casebooks and statistics at several Tanzanian hospitals treating young patients with insulin dependent diabetes, usually Type 1 diabetes, and collection of information from different organisations such a Tanzanian Diabetes Association, Life for a Child, Changing Diabetes in Children and World Diabetes Foundation. Results: The incidence in several areas is low. However, a lot of data are often missing at studied clinics and therefore the incidence might be higher, and with increased awareness in recent years the number of patients has increased many-folds. Most patients present with typical symptoms and signs of T1D, and a high proportion with plausible ketoacidosis , although this proportion has decreased from about 90% to about 40% in recent decades. Many patients have poor blood glucose control, and complications often develop already after short diabetes duration. In recent years resources have increased, awareness has increased and diabetes clinics started where staff has got training. Conclusions: There are problems with diabetes care in Tanzania but several facts give hope for the future.

Impact of digital health interventions for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus on health literacy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that living with diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) in adolescent age is particularly challenging and difficult to manage. A high level of health literacy is important to prevent and avoid debilitating complications. Despite the increasing prevalence and incidence of T1DM by adolescent and the large use of digital health interventions, little is known about the association between this use and health literacy. This systematic review provides an overview on the impact of digital health interventions for adolescents with type 1 diabetes on health literacy and derive recommendations for further research. METHODS: Electronic searches were performed in five databases in Medline (Medline, PubMed + via PubMed), The Cochrane Library, EMBASE (via Ovid), Web of Science and PsycINFO from 2011 to 2021. In addition, grey literature searches were conducted in Google Scholar, OAlster and Trip. Relevant studies that have been missed by electronic and hand-searching strategies were searched in the reference lists of all included studies. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Two researchers independently screened abstracts for initial eligibility and applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the relevant full-text articles. Quality was assessed using the tools RoB2 Cochrane, ROBINS I, NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale), CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) for primary studies and Amstar-2 for secondary studies. RESULTS: Out of 981 studies, 22 were included in the final review. Most primary studies included in this review were judged as moderate overall risk of bias or with some concerns and most of the secondary studies as critically low quality reviews. Our findings suggest that the interplay of health care providers (HCP) and patients through social media helps the management of the disease. This corroborates Bröder et al.' (2017) dimension of 'communication and interactions' in their concept of health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: For adolescents with T1DM, social media may be a specific and beneficial intervention for an improved communication and interaction with their HCP. Further research should investigate what specific form of social media suits best for which adolescents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered on the 15th of November 2021 on Prospero (reg. NR: CRD42021282199).

Experiences and Attitudes of Parents Reducing Carbohydrate Intake in the Management of Their Child's Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study.

Reducing carbohydrate (CHO) intake is being used as an approach to manage type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children. This study aimed to investigate the experiences and attitudes of parents of children with T1D who are reducing CHO intake to help manage blood glucose levels (BGLs). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the parents of children with T1D for >1 year who reported implementing a low CHO approach to manage BGLs. Data were analysed using a constant comparative analysis approach. Participants (n = 14) were parents of children (6.6 ± 2.0 years) with T1D in Western Australia. All parents reported different methods of CHO restriction and all perceived that benefits outweighed challenges. Parents reported feeling less worried, had improved sleep and felt their child was safer when using a low CHO approach due to more stable BGLs. Reported challenges included: increased cost and time spent preparing food; perceived judgement from others; and child dissatisfaction with restricted food choices. Parents reported accessing information and support through social media networks. Parents reported a desire for more research into this approach. Understanding the promoters and barriers for this dietary approach may inform strategies to better engage and support families with approaches that align with current evidence while considering their concerns around safety and hyperglycaemia.

Human hypoimmune primary pancreatic islets avoid rejection and autoimmunity and alleviate diabetes in allogeneic humanized mice.

Transplantation of allogeneic pancreatic donor islets has successfully been performed in selected patients with difficult-to-control insulin-dependent diabetes and impaired awareness of hypoglycemia (IAH). However, the required systemic immunosuppression associated with this procedure prevents this cell replacement therapy from more widespread adoption in larger patient populations. We report the editing of primary human islet cells to the hypoimmune HLA class I- and class II-negative and CD47-overexpressing phenotype and their reaggregation into human HIP pseudoislets (p-islets). Human HIP p-islets were shown to survive, engraft, and ameliorate diabetes in immunocompetent, allogeneic, diabetic humanized mice. HIP p-islet cells were further shown to avoid autoimmune killing in autologous, diabetic humanized autoimmune mice. The survival and endocrine function of HIP p-islet cells were not impaired by contamination of unedited or partially edited cells within the p-islets. HIP p-islet cells were eliminated quickly and reliably in this model using a CD47-targeting antibody, thus providing a safety strategy in case HIP cells exert toxicity in a future clinical setting. Transplantation of human HIP p-islets for which no immunosuppression is required has the potential to lead to wider adoption of this therapy and help more diabetes patients with IAH and history of severe hypoglycemic events to achieve insulin independence.

Improving health outcomes of people with diabetes: target setting for the WHO Global Diabetes Compact.

The Global Diabetes Compact is a WHO-driven initiative uniting stakeholders around goals of reducing diabetes risk and ensuring that people with diabetes have equitable access to comprehensive, affordable care and prevention. In this report we describe the development and scientific basis for key health metrics, coverage, and treatment targets accompanying the Compact. We considered metrics across four domains: factors at a structural, system, or policy level; processes of care; behaviours and biomarkers such as glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); and health events and outcomes; and three risk tiers (diagnosed diabetes, high risk, or whole population), and reviewed and prioritised them according to their health importance, modifiability, data availability, and global inequality. We reviewed the global distribution of each metric to set targets for future attainment. This process led to five core national metrics and target levels for UN member states: (1) of all people with diabetes, at least 80% have been clinically diagnosed; and, for people with diagnosed diabetes, (2) 80% have HbA1c concentrations below 8·0% (63·9 mmol/mol); (3) 80% have blood pressure lower than 140/90 mm Hg; (4) at least 60% of people 40 years or older are receiving therapy with statins; and (5) each person with type 1 diabetes has continuous access to insulin, blood glucose meters, and test strips. We also propose several complementary metrics that currently have limited global coverage, but warrant scale-up in population-based surveillance systems. These include estimation of cause-specific mortality, and incidence of end-stage kidney disease, lower-extremity amputations, and incidence of diabetes. Primary prevention of diabetes and integrated care to prevent long-term complications remain important areas for the development of new metrics and targets. These metrics and targets are intended to drive multisectoral action applied to individuals, health systems, policies, and national health-care access to achieve the goals of the Global Diabetes Compact. Although ambitious, their achievement can result in broad health benefits for people with diabetes.

Use of continuous glucose monitors in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

AIMS: The use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) has been shown to have positive impact on diabetes management for people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and gestational diabetes (GDM) in high-income countries. However, as useful as CGMs are, the experience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited and has not been summarized. METHODS: A scoping review of the scientific literature was conducted. Medline, Embase, Global Health and Scopus were used to seek original research conducted in LMICs. The search results were screened by two reviewers independently. We included studies assessing health outcomes following the use of CGMs at the individual level (e.g. glycaemic control or complications) and at the health system level (e.g. barriers, facilitators and cost-effectiveness) in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French. Results were summarized narratively. RESULTS: From 4772 records found in database search, 27 reports were included; most of them from China (n = 7), Colombia (n = 5) and India (n = 4). Thirteen reports studied T1DM, five T2DM, seven both T1DM and T2DM and two GDM. Seven reports presented results of experimental studies (five randomized trials and two quasi-experimental); two on cost-effective analysis and the remaining 18 were observational. Studies showed that CGMs improved surrogate glycaemic outcomes (HbA1c reduction), hard endpoints (lower hospitalization rates and diabetes complications) and patient-oriented outcomes (quality of life). However, several caveats were identified: mostly observational studies, few participants in trials, short follow-up and focused on surrogate outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The scoping review identified that studies about CGMs in LMICs have several limitations. Stronger study designs, appropriate sample sizes and the inclusion of patient-important outcomes should be considered to inform the evidence about CGMs for the management of people with diabetes in LMICs.

Parent Perspectives of School/Daycare Experiences in Young Children Newly Diagnosed With Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: A central part of family adjustment to a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is integrating T1D management into the child's school/daycare. This may be particularly challenging for young children who rely on adults for their diabetes management. This study aimed to describe parent experiences with school/daycare during the first 1.5 years following a young child's T1D diagnosis. METHODS: As part of a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral intervention, 157 parents of young children with new-onset (<2 months) T1D reported on their child's school/daycare experience at baseline and at 9- and 15-month post-randomization. We used a mixed-methods design to describe and contextualize parents' experiences with school/daycare. Qualitative data were collected via open-ended responses, and quantitative data were collected from a demographic/medical from. RESULTS: While most children were enrolled in school/daycare at all time points, over 50% of parents endorsed that T1D affected their child's enrollment, rejection, or removal from school/daycare at 9 or 15 months. We generated five themes related to parents' school/daycare experiences: Child factors, Parent factors, School/Daycare factors, Cooperation between Parents and Staff, and Socio-historical factors. Parents of younger children and those with lower subjective socioeconomic status were significantly more likely to endorse challenges with school/daycare enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: School/daycare settings present challenges for parents of young children with T1D. Changes may need to occur across contexts to support early childhood education, including advocacy resources for parents to navigate school policies, increased training for school staff, and healthcare team outreach initiatives to parents and schools.

Patient Perspectives on the Ambulatory Glucose Profile Report for Type 1 Diabetes Management in Adults: A National Online Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Continuous and flash glucose monitoring devices produce data reports (e.g. ambulatory glucose profile [AGP]) that can be used by people with diabetes and health-care providers (HCPs). Clinical benefits of these reports have been published, but the patient perspective is underreported. METHODS: We conducted an online survey for adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using continuous/flash glucose monitoring to understand their use and attitudes toward the AGP report. Barriers and facilitators related to digital health technology were explored. RESULTS: The survey included 291 respondents: 63% were <40 years of age, and 65% had been living with T1D for >15 years. Nearly 80% reviewed their AGP report, with 50% often discussing it with their HCP. Support from family and HCPs was positively associated with the use of the AGP report, and there was a positive relationship between motivation and better understanding of the AGP report (odds ratio=2.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.45 to 4.71). Nearly all respondents (92%) indicated that the AGP report is important for their diabetes management, but most indicated dissatisfaction with the cost of the device. Open-ended responses suggested some concern with the complexity of information from the AGP report. CONCLUSIONS: The online survey showed that there may be few barriers to the use of the AGP report by people with T1D, with the main barrier being its cost of the devices. Facilitators for the use of the AGP report included motivation and support from both family and the HCP. Facilitating discussion between HCPs and patients may be a strategy to improve the use and potential benefit of the AGP.

Pancreas transplantation today: quo vadis?

Successful pancreas or islet transplantation is currently the only cure for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Since the first pancreas transplant in 1966, there have been various refinements of surgical technique along with improved immunosuppressive regimens, resulting in significantly improved outcomes, with contemporary research into graft monitoring and newer biomarkers, potentially lengthening graft survival rates further. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who are eligible for pancreas or islet transplantation represent a select group, the tip of the iceberg for a significant global diabetes disease burden. In the last 50 years, there have been quantum advances in alternative technologies in diabetes therapy, both experimental and translational. Further development and improved access are required to treat the larger proportion of people suffering from diabetes. Emerging stem cell therapy is still experimental whereas alternatives including automated insulin delivery systems and islet cell transplantation are already used in some countries. Whilst automated insulin delivery systems have increased in efficacy, they still do not achieve the near physiological control of blood sugar, which can be achieved by successful pancreas or islet transplantation. This state-of-the-art review provides a summary of pancreas and islet transplantation to its current place in diabetes therapy, along with alternative and future therapies, including the obstacles associated with the dissemination of these new therapies. With the advent of these modern cellular and technological advances, this review addresses the question: are we entering an era where whole organ pancreas transplantation could be replaced entirely by modern technological advances in diabetes therapy?

Reducing Sitting Time in Type 1 Diabetes: Considerations and Implications.

Sedentary behaviours are ubiquitous in modern society, with Western populations spending approximately 50% of their waking hours in low levels of energy expenditure. This behaviour is associated with cardiometabolic derangements and increased morbidity and mortality. In individuals living with or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), "breaking up" sedentariness by interrupting prolonged periods of sitting has been shown to acutely improve glucose management and cardiometabolic risk factors related to diabetes complications. As such, current guidelines recommend interrupting prolonged periods of sitting with short, frequent activity breaks. However, the evidence underpinning these recommendations remains preliminary and is focussed on those with or at risk of developing T2D, with little information regarding whether and how reducing sedentariness may be effective and safe in those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this review, we discuss the potential application of interventions that target prolonged sitting time in T2D within the context of T1D.