Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The International Diabetes Federation 2019 Diabetes Atlas states that the UK has the highest number of children and young people aged 0–14 with Type 1 Diabetes in Europe, with the incidence of cases observed to be rising on a national and international level. The National Paediatric Diabetes Audit (NPDA) 2020–2021 report identified countrywide inequalities between measures of diabetic health and treatment devices used within the paediatric diabetes population, including higher HbA1c measurements in those living in deprived areas, and children living in the least deprived areas being more likely to be access real-time capillary glucose monitoring. These disparities must be addressed to ensure the medical optimisation of every paediatric diabetes patient, regardless of their background.

Aim/objective: This project aimed to review the data and outcomes for our local Paediatric Diabetes Unit (PDU) and identify any similar inequalities in the management of our patient group.

Methods: All paediatric diabetes patients were classed by their Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) result, obtained via their postcodes. Various indicators of treatment were reviewed including HbA1c, completion of all Key Care Processes (KCPs), admissions with diabetes-related complications, and the monitoring and treatment devices they were using.

Results: Analysis is evolving, but current results suggest that within our patient population, there were a higher proportion of children completing 100% of KCPs in the highest IMD quintile and a higher rate of hospital re-admissions with diabetes-related complications in the middle quintile, where the lower IMD quintiles were excluded due to a small number of patients within those groups. The median HbA1c was highest in the lowest IMD quintile, with the trend broadly decreasing as the IMD quintile rises. There were generally a higher proportion of children in lower IMDs whose families were receiving additional social support.

Conclusions: Initial data analysis suggests there may be a correlation between a lower IMD and markers of poorer diabetes control and complications within our own paediatric diabetes unit. This data will be used to drive quality improvement and identify new ways to support children and their families within our service.