1032-P: Improving CGM Uptake in Minority Youth and Youth with Poorly Controlled T1D

Abstract

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) improves glycemic control for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) . Despite these benefits, less than half of youth with T1D use CGM. Objective: To determine if trial CGM use (10-days) increases CGM uptake and is associated with improved glycemic control among minority youth and youth with poorly controlled T1D. We also examined barriers to CGM use. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at an academic Pediatric Diabetes Center. Youth with T1D for more than 3 months, with no previous CGM usage, or no CGM usage in the last year were enrolled. Diabetes staff placed CGM at the point of care (POC) and provided CGM education. Barriers to prior CGM use, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) , and demographic information were recorded. Participants received 5 and 10-day follow up calls from the diabetes team to review glycemic trends. At 3 months, participants' use of CGM and HbA1c were recorded. Results: Youth with T1D (n=22) were enrolled (13 first time CGM users, 9 past users) , mean age 14.1years (SD 3.1) , 41% non-Hispanic black, 68% female, mean diabetes duration 6.3 ± 4.4years, and baseline mean HbA1c of 10.8%. Patient-cited barriers to prior CGM use included technical difficulties (n=5) , unawareness of CGM (n=4) , difficulty obtaining CGM (n=4) , general apprehension (n=3) , not wanting devices (n=3) , and pain, fear of needles, and new diabetes diagnosis (n=1 each) . Of participants, 20 completed some follow-up, and 18/20 (90%) cited wanting to use CGM long-term. Of 13 participants who completed 3 and/or 6-month follow-up visits, only 9 were actively using CGM. Further barriers to use included insurance issues (n=2) and CGM falling off (n=1) . There was no change in mean HbA1c from baseline to follow-up (10.8 ±2.4% vs. 10.3 ±2.3%, p=0.46) . Conclusion: There are many barriers to CGM uptake in youth. Providing a trial use of CGM at the POC may increase uptake of CGM use in at-risk diabetes populations, but further investigation of additional barriers that impact long-term adherence to CGM is needed. Disclosure T.L.Lin: None. J.A.Manfredo: None. N.Illesca: None. K.Abiola: None. N.Hwang: None. M.Seel: None. E.A.Brown: None. R.M.Wolf: Consultant; NEMA Research, Research Support; Dexcom, Inc. Funding Johns Hopkins Children's Center Innovation Award, and Dexcom