Objective: Technology use in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is impacted by socioeconomic status (SES). This analysis explored relationships between SES, glycemic outcomes, and technology use.
Research design and methods: A cross-sectional analysis of HbA1c data from 2,822 Australian youth with T1D was undertaken. Residential postcodes were used to assign SES based on the Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD). Linear regression models were used to evaluate associations among IRSD quintile, HbA1c, and management regimen.
Results: Insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring, and their concurrent use were associated with lower mean HbA1c across all IRSD quintiles (P < 0.001). There was no interaction between technology use and IRSD quintile on HbA1c (P = 0.624), reflecting a similar association of lower HbA1c with technology use across all IRSD quintiles.
Conclusions: Technology use was associated with lower HbA1c across all socioeconomic backgrounds. Socioeconomic disadvantage does not preclude glycemic benefits of diabetes technologies, highlighting the need to remove barriers to technology access.
© 2024 by the American Diabetes Association.