Endocrine Abstracts

Young people with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) can achieve improved glycaemic control by using technology. T1DM technology is steadily improving 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. Understanding the reasons for health inequalities is essential to facilitate use of available technology.

Aim: Review the use of available technology across our diverse population of young people with T1DM.

Method: We prospectively invited families over 3 months to participate in a voluntary questionnaire reviewing the use of technology.

Analysis: Ninety Eight families responded and 88 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Of these 35% (31/88) used an Insulin Pump and 60% (53/88) CGM. Those using pumps 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) 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 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.

Conclusion: Technology in T1DM significantly improves HbA1c in young people however families require support and training to achieve this. Our study indicates that inequalities maybe remedied by facilitating access to phones to enable management of T1DM.