Significant and persistent improvements in time in range and positive emotions in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using a closed-loop control system after attending a virtual educational camp

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the six-month impact of the advanced automated functions of a closed-loop control (CLC) system (Control-IQ) and a virtual educational camp (vEC) on emotions and time in range (TIR) of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Children and their parents participated in a three-day vEC. Clinical, glucose, and emotion data were evaluated before, just after, and six months after the vEC. Emotions were evaluated using adapted Plutchik's and Geneva Emotion Wheels.

Results: Forty-three children and adolescents (7-16 years) showed significant improvements in positive emotions immediately and six months after the vEC (67% and 65% vs 38%, p < 0.05, respectively), while mixed emotions were reduced (32% and 15% vs 61%, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). The median percentage TIR increased from 64% (IQR 54-72) to 75% (IQR 70-82) with Control-IQ (p < 0.001) six months after the vEC.

Conclusions: Positive emotions (joy, serenity, and satisfaction) significantly improved while mixed emotions were significantly worse six months after the initiation of a CLC system (Control-IQ) and a vEC.

Keywords: Adolescents; Advanced hybrid closed loop; Children; Closed-loop control; Emotions; Type 1 diabetes; Virtual educational camp.