Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The latest NPDA data has demonstrated that technology use through Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Hybrid-closed loop (HCL) is associated with better glycaemic control. A particular national focus is to reduce health inequalities and provide an equitable access to technology.

Aims: 1. To identify the barriers for CYP with T1DM to adopting diabetes technology and address these to bridge health inequalities. 2. To look at the ethnic breakdown of those not using technology.

Methods: Our paediatric diabetes database (0-18 year olds) was used to identify patients not using technology. A questionnaire was designed to understand whether technology was offered, used in the past, reasons for discontinuing and barriers for use. Questionnaires were completed during clinic or by telephone. This QIP was registered with Clinical Effectiveness.

Results: • 44 patients (17.6%) met eligibility criteria.

• 6 CYPs were excluded as they had been recently diagnosed.

• 4 patients expressed an interest to use pump therapy and were excluded. Of the eligible 34 CYP (13.6%), 30 questionnaires were distributed (12%) with 26 responses.

• 16 (61.5%) on CGM.

• 10 (38.5%) not on CGM. Of which 6 (23%) previously used and 4 (15.5%) never used.

• 23 (88.5%) never used pump therapy.

• 3 (11.5%) used and discontinued.

Reasons for not using technology

• Discomfort, Inaccurate readings.

• Too bulky, prefer size of sensor.

• Fear of dislodgement and DKA.

• Interference with sports.

• Visibility, Affects behaviour and emotion.

• Happy with finger pricks and injection. 17% of our CYP are Black, 32.5% Asian and 34% WhiteTable: Ethnic breakdown of those who are not on CGM or pump

Conclusions: Advancement in technology has improved diabetes management. Most of CYP with T1DM use technology. Barriers to adopting these occur for many reasons therefore support, education and continuing to offer technology is essential to improve uptake in the future.