Factors associated with clinically significant hypoglycemia in patients with type 1 diabetes using sensor-augmented pump therapy with predictive low-glucose management: A multicentric study on iberoamerica

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2021 Jan-Feb;15(1):267-272. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.01.002. Epub 2021 Jan 11.

Abstract

Background and aims: Despite using sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAPT) with predictive low-glucose management (PLGM), hypoglycemia is still an issue in patients with type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Our aim was to determine factors associated with clinically significant hypoglycemia (<54 mg/dl) in persons with T1D treated with PLGM-SAPT.

Method: ology: This is a multicentric prospective real-life study performed in Colombia, Chile and Spain. Patients with T1D treated with PLGM-SAPT, using sensor ≥70% of time, were included. Data regarding pump and sensor use patterns and carbohydrate intake from 28 consecutive days were collected. A bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analysis was carried out, to evaluate the association between the number of events of <54 mg/dl with the clinical variables and patterns of sensor and pump use.

Results: 188 subjects were included (41 ± 13.8 years-old, 23 ± 12 years disease duration, A1c 7.2% ± 0.9). The median of events <54 mg/dl was four events/patient/month (IQR 1-10), 77% of these events occurred during day time. Multivariate analysis showed that the number of events of hypoglycemia were higher in patients with previous severe hypoglycemia (IRR1.38; 95% CI 1.19-1.61; p < 0.001), high glycemic variability defined as Coefficient of Variation (CV%) > 36% (IRR 2.09; 95%CI 1.79-2.45; p < 0.001) and hypoglycemia unawareness. A protector effect was identified for adequate sensor calibration (IRR 0.77; 95%CI 0.66-0.90; p:0.001), and the use of bolus wizard >60% (IRR 0.74; 95%CI 0.58-0.95; p:0.017).

Conclusion: In spite of using advanced SAPT, clinically significant hypoglycemia is still a non-negligible risk. Only the identification and intervention of modifiable factors could help to prevent and reduce hypoglycemia in clinical practice.

Keywords: Hypoglycemia; Insulin infusion system; Sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAPT) with predictive low-glucose management (PLGM); Type 1 diabetes.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Insulin / administration & dosage
  • Insulin / adverse effects*
  • Insulin Infusion Systems*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin