ESPE Abstracts (2022) 95 P1-447

ESPE2022 Poster Category 1 Diabetes and Insulin (86 abstracts)

Access and use of new technologies in diabetes care in patients that need an Interpreter compared to those that do not

Mekhala Ayya & Juliana Chizo Agwu


Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom


Young people with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus encounter daily struggles with titrating insulin to achieve adequate glycemic control. Technology is improving with insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) however access to it remains variable across the UK. Those from ethnic minorities and deprived areas are less likely to access technology and more susceptible to developing complications of diabetes with worsening HbA1c’s. Understanding the reasons for health inequalities is essential to facilitate use of technology in this population.

Aim: To review the use of technology across our diverse population of young people with T1DM.

Method: We prospectively invited families over a 3 month period to participate in a voluntary questionnaire during clinics or by post to review the use of technology.

Analysis: Ninety Eight families responded and 88 questionnaires were included in the analysis (5- Type 2 DM, 1- duplicate,4- incomplete excluded). We found that 35%(31/88) used an Insulin Pump and 60% (53/88) CGM. Those receiving pump therapy and CGM achieved the best HbA1c (<8%) with 70.9%(22/31) and 76% (40/53) respectively. Data was divided into two groups; those who spoke English as a first language((EFL) n=65) and English as a second language ((ESL)n=23). Findings are summarised in Table 1. The difference between access to mobile phones was statistically significant (P<0.005) between the groups with 82% (18/23) in ESL compared with 97% (63/65) in EFL. Access to a home computer was similar (ESL- 78% and EFL- 88%) however a difference exists in downloading and reviewing blood glucose patterns with ESL achieving 26% (6/23) whilst EFL achieved 40% (26/65). CGM was accessed in only 48%(11/23) in ESL compared with 65%(42/65) in EFL. Time in Range(TIR) was reduced and statistically significant (P<0.05) with TIR< 50% in 58% (11/19) in ESL compared with 32% (18/57) in EFL.

Table 1
  English 1st Language (n=65) English 2nd Language (n=23) P value
Home Computer 57 (88%) 18 (78%) 0.273
Phone: 63 (97%) 18 (82%)
<0.005Insulin Pump 21 (32%) 9 (39%) 0.553
CGM 42 (65%) 11 (48%) 0.157
Downloads 26 (40%) 6 (26%) 0.233
Time in range: < 50% 18 (32%) 11 (58%) <0.05
HbA1c<8% (64mmol/mol) 44 (68%) 16 (69%) 0.868

Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a clear reduction in access to technology including phones within our ESL population with significantly decreased TIR. Technology in T1DM improves HbA1c however families, especially in this ESL population need targeted support to achieve this.

Volume 95

60th Annual ESPE (ESPE 2022)

Rome, Italy
15 Sep 2022 - 17 Sep 2022

European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology 

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