D.T.R.G projects highlighted in
the limbic
Professor David O’Neal and the D.T.R.G have multiple projects recognised and highlighted by
the limbic, the premier medical news site.
Written by Mardi Chapman, these articles feature some projects highlighted at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions 2023 as well as multiple other works. We are very proud of the work that all of our team and collaborators have put into these projects.
Mardi Chapman’s work can be found below
Diabetes devices: what patients really think
TYPE 1 DIABETES
By Mardi Chapman
19 Jul 2023
Most adult users of diabetes technology believe it is important for their glycaemic control and emotional wellbeing as well as convenient and user friendly, an Australian study has found.
A national online survey of 3,380 adults with type 1 diabetes and current or prior experience of insulin pump therapy (IPT), real time-CGM or intermittently scanned-CGM found almost all respondents (98.4%) felt their diabetes technology was “important” or “extremely important” in keeping their glucose levels in target range.
The study, published in Diabetes Research and Practice [link here], found a significant majority (92.7%) also felt it reduced both the severity and frequency of hypoglycaemia.
“The perception of those who have used IPT and CGM that these technologies facilitate better glycaemic management is consistent with the substantial body of evidence demonstrating improved glucose management in people living with T1D using such devices in clinical trials and cohort studies,” said the study authors, led by Diabetes Victoria project co-ordinator Meaghan Read.
“Technology was also perceived as “important” or “extremely important” for maintaining happiness (87.2%), facilitating physical activity (86.8%), socialising with friends (76.4%), and for dietary freedom (73.1%),” according to the research team that included Professor David O’Neal, Director of the Diabetes Technology Research Group at the University of Melbourne.
As well, >85% of respondents indicated that their emotional well-being was “better” or “much better” since using the devices.
Most respondents indicated that the devices were “convenient”, “reliable” and “easy to use”.
CGM devices were rated as “comfortable to wear” by >65% of CGM users while the majority of insulin pump users did not find their device comfortable.
As reported recently in the limbic [link here], tubeless patch pumps may be less intrusive and provide a greater degree of comfort for some users in the future.
There was some indication that more information would aid informed choice and device selection however most users (>80%) felt they were able to access sufficient training in device use.
Diabetes nurse educators, other diabetes technology users and endocrinologists were the preferred providers of such training – well ahead of industry professionals, GPs, pharmacy staff and dieticians.
The study authors said information about devices was often tailored for healthcare professionals.
“Typically, they require a relatively high level of reading skill and health literacy. This affirms the need for non-partisan, cost-free, resources detailing the pros and cons and performance of commercially available devices in a consumer-friendly format,” they said.
Respondents strongly disagreed that the devices were affordable.
“It should be noted that the survey was implemented prior to July 2022, when RT-CGM and isGM were only subsidised for a minority of adults with T1D. Since July 2022 this subsidy has been extended to the entire Australian T1D population, which would be expected to have a substantial favourable impact on perceptions regarding accessibility of CGM devices,” the authors advised.
The study was funded with support from Diabetes Technology Research Group at the University of Melbourne.
“If you are a registered healthcare professional, please visit www.thelimbic.com for more relevant news and education.”
D.T.R.G projects highlighted in
the limbic
Professor David O’Neal and the D.T.R.G have multiple projects recognised and highlighted by
the limbic, the premier medical news site.
Written by Mardi Chapman, these articles feature some projects highlighted at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions 2023 as well as multiple other works. We are very proud of the work that all of our team and collaborators have put into these projects.
Mardi Chapman’s work can be found below
Diabetes devices: what patients really think
TYPE 1 DIABETES
By Mardi Chapman
19 Jul 2023
Most adult users of diabetes technology believe it is important for their glycaemic control and emotional wellbeing as well as convenient and user friendly, an Australian study has found.
A national online survey of 3,380 adults with type 1 diabetes and current or prior experience of insulin pump therapy (IPT), real time-CGM or intermittently scanned-CGM found almost all respondents (98.4%) felt their diabetes technology was “important” or “extremely important” in keeping their glucose levels in target range.
The study, published in Diabetes Research and Practice [link here], found a significant majority (92.7%) also felt it reduced both the severity and frequency of hypoglycaemia.
“The perception of those who have used IPT and CGM that these technologies facilitate better glycaemic management is consistent with the substantial body of evidence demonstrating improved glucose management in people living with T1D using such devices in clinical trials and cohort studies,” said the study authors, led by Diabetes Victoria project co-ordinator Meaghan Read.
“Technology was also perceived as “important” or “extremely important” for maintaining happiness (87.2%), facilitating physical activity (86.8%), socialising with friends (76.4%), and for dietary freedom (73.1%),” according to the research team that included Professor David O’Neal, Director of the Diabetes Technology Research Group at the University of Melbourne.
As well, >85% of respondents indicated that their emotional well-being was “better” or “much better” since using the devices.
Most respondents indicated that the devices were “convenient”, “reliable” and “easy to use”.
CGM devices were rated as “comfortable to wear” by >65% of CGM users while the majority of insulin pump users did not find their device comfortable.
As reported recently in the limbic [link here], tubeless patch pumps may be less intrusive and provide a greater degree of comfort for some users in the future.
There was some indication that more information would aid informed choice and device selection however most users (>80%) felt they were able to access sufficient training in device use.
Diabetes nurse educators, other diabetes technology users and endocrinologists were the preferred providers of such training – well ahead of industry professionals, GPs, pharmacy staff and dieticians.
The study authors said information about devices was often tailored for healthcare professionals.
“Typically, they require a relatively high level of reading skill and health literacy. This affirms the need for non-partisan, cost-free, resources detailing the pros and cons and performance of commercially available devices in a consumer-friendly format,” they said.
Respondents strongly disagreed that the devices were affordable.
“It should be noted that the survey was implemented prior to July 2022, when RT-CGM and isGM were only subsidised for a minority of adults with T1D. Since July 2022 this subsidy has been extended to the entire Australian T1D population, which would be expected to have a substantial favourable impact on perceptions regarding accessibility of CGM devices,” the authors advised.
The study was funded with support from Diabetes Technology Research Group at the University of Melbourne.
“If you are a registered healthcare professional, please visit www.thelimbic.com for more relevant news and education.”