Turning the tides: achieving rapid and safe glucose control in adolescents with suboptimally controlled type 1 diabetes using advanced hybrid closed loop systems

Aim: Many adolescents with T1D experience a decline in metabolic control due to erratic eating habits and subpar adherence to treatment regimens. The objective of our retrospective observational study was to assess the effect of the Tandem Control IQ (CIQ) advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) system on a cohort of adolescents with suboptimal glucose control. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 20 non-adherent patients with T1D, who were inconsistently using Multiple Daily Injections (MDIs) and flash glucose monitoring and were subsequently started and on CIQ. Glucometrics and the Glucose Risk Index were assessed at baseline and after 2 weeks, 1 month, and 6 months of CIQ use. Results: The study included 20 adolescents with T1D (HbA1c: 10.0% +/- 1.7). Time in range (TIR) increased from 27.1% +/- 13.7 at baseline to 68.6% +/- 14.2 at 2 weeks, 66.6% +/- 10.7 at 1 month, and 60.4% +/- 13.3 at 6 months of CIQ use. Time above range (TAR) >250 mg/dL decreased from 46.1% +/- 23.8 to 9.9% +/- 9.5 at 2 weeks, 10.8% +/- 6.1 at 1 month, and 15.5% +/- 10.5 at 6 months of AHCL use. Mean glucose levels improved from 251 mg/dL +/- 68.9 to 175mg/dL +/- 25.5 after 6 months of CIQ use. The Glucose Risk Index (GRI) also significantly reduced from 102 to 48 at 6 months of CIQ. HbA1c also improved from 10.0% +/- 1.7 at baseline to 7.0% +/- 0.7 after 6 months. Two patients experienced a single episode of mild diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Conclusions: AHCL systems provide a significant, rapid, and safe improvement in glucose control. This marks a pivotal advancement in technology that primarily benefited those who were already compliant.