Findings Highlight the Impact of Insurance
Barriers on Managed Diabetes Care for Diverse Populations Living
with Type 1 Diabetes
ORLANDO,
Fla., June 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Results from
a new study show the impact and importance of continuous glucose
monitoring (CGM) that young individuals with diabetes face today.
The findings were presented as a Late-Breaking Poster at the
84th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes
Association® (ADA) in Orlando,
FL.
Health disparities is a growing concern that significantly
impacts diabetes. In nearly all states, those who identify as Black
and Native American are more likely than those who identify as
Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, and White to die from
complications of diabetes. Over half of Hispanic/Latino adults are
predicted to develop type 2 diabetes during their lives.
"People with type 1 diabetes are at a heightened risk for health
complications as they age. They all deserve access to care and
treatment, no matter their no matter their race, income, ZIP Code,
age, education, or gender," said Robert
Gabbay, MD, PhD, ADA chief scientific and medical officer.
"The findings from the studies presented at this year's Scientific
Sessions are encouraging, as we strive to develop innovative,
evidence-based solutions to support a diverse population of people
living with diabetes and maintain their care."
The use of CGM reduces HbA1c and is recommended by the American
Diabetes Association within 12 months of a type 1 diabetes
diagnosis. This study examines the impact of insurance, race, and
ethnicity on the timing of CGM initiation in children with type 1
diabetes and compares glycemic control between those who start CGM
within six months of diagnosis versus later.
Children up to age 21 diagnosed with T1D at UCSF Benioff
Children's Hospitals between February
2015 and September 2021 (n =
270) were grouped by CGM initiation time. Insurance, race, and
ethnicity were analyzed using one-way ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis H-test)
to determine if samples originated from the same distribution.
T-tests and Wilcoxon tests compared early and late CGM initiation.
Data normality was assessed with QQ plots and density plots.
Results showed that on average publicly insured children started
CGM within six months, while privately insured children started CGM
within two months. Similar delays were observed for children from
historically marginalized racial or ethnic groups compared to
White, non-Latinx children. The average HbA1c was 7.5% for children
who started CGM within six months of diagnosis, compared to 8.4%
for those who started later. Barriers to CGM initiation contribute
to less optimal glycemic control for publicly insured and racially
and ethnically minoritized children, increasing the risk of
complications. Addressing these disparities could improve early
blood sugar control and health outcomes.
"Our results highlight the marked difference in HbA1c in
children that receive CGM early on," said Mette K Borbjerg, lead
author from the Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark and Division of
Pediatric Endocrinology, University of
California San Francisco. Dr. Borbjerg's co-authors include
Annika Kvist (Steno Diabetes Center
North Denmark), Kala Mehta
(Department of Epidemiology, University of
California San Francisco), Niels Ejskjaer (Steno Diabetes
Center North Denmark and Department of Internal Medicine and
Endocrinology, Aalborg University Hospital), and senior author
Jenise Wong (Division of Pediatric
Endocrinology, University of California San
Francisco). "Ensuring timely CGM access for all
children is essential to reduce complication risks. This
highlights the need for practices and policies to address barriers
to CGM initiation and healthcare access."
Future research should focus on understanding the specific
barriers preventing timely CGM initiation. A follow-up study
assessing long-term health care outcomes in children with early vs
late CGM initiation could provide evidence to advocate for policy
changes.
Research presentation details:
Dr. Borbjerg will present the findings at the following Late-
Breaking poster session:
- Disparities in Initiation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring and
Impact on Glycemic Control in Children and Adolescents with Type 1
Diabetes
- Session: Saturday, June 22, 2024
from 12:30-1:00 PM EDT
About the ADA's Scientific Sessions
The ADA's 84th
Scientific Sessions, the world's largest scientific meeting focused
on diabetes research, prevention, and care, will be held in
Orlando, FL on June 21-24. More than 11,000 leading physicians,
scientists, and health care professionals from around the world are
expected to convene both in person and virtually to unveil
cutting-edge research, treatment recommendations, and advances
toward a cure for diabetes. Attendees will receive exclusive access
to thousands of original research presentations and take part in
provocative and engaging exchanges with leading diabetes experts.
Join the Scientific Sessions conversation on social media using
#ADAScientificSessions.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American
Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation's leading voluntary health
organization fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic
and help people living with diabetes thrive. For 83 years, the ADA
has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent
diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy,
program development, and education we aim to improve the quality of
life for the over 136 million Americans living with diabetes or
prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will
make us Connected for Life®. To learn more or to get involved,
visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES
(1-800-342-2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American
Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la
Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter
(@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram
(@AmDiabetesAssn).
CONTACT:
Amy Robinson
arobinson@brgcommunications.com
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SOURCE American Diabetes Association