Introduction

Despite advances in therapy, most persons with type 1 diabetes (PwT1Ds) do not achieve treatment goals. Education is fundamental to the care of PwT1Ds treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

Aim of the study

To evaluate PwT1Ds treated with CSII and receiving in-hospital education and to identify factors associated with treatment effectiveness.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study included adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), who received diabetes education using the proprietary Structured Diabetes Education Program, GoPump, during “Insulin Pump Weeks” in 2022–2023. Metabolic control of diabetes was evaluated. Reports from personal insulin pumps, blood glucose meters, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems were assessed.

Results

Data from 107 individuals with a median age of 26.7 years (Q1–Q3: 19.0–30.8) were analysed, including 65 women (60.7%). The median duration of T1D was 13 years (Q1–Q3: 10.0–18.0), and the median duration of personal insulin pump use was 8 years (Q1–Q3: 5.0–12.0). The median body mass index was 23.9 kg/m². CGM was used by 52.3% of individuals. The median time in range (TIR) was 57.0% (Q1–Q3: 45.0–69.5%), and the median glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.9% (Q1–Q3: 6.8–8.5%). A positive correlation was found between age and TIR (rs = 0.42, p = 0.001). The use of temporary basal rate and dual-wave and square bolus features was positively correlated with TIR (rs = 0.34, p = 0.012 and rs = 0.31, p = 0.021, respectively) and inversely with time above range > 250 mg/dl (rs = –0.37, p = 0.007 and rs = –0.27, p = 0.045, respectively). Lower HbA1c levels were observed in individuals with a higher number of daily boluses (rs = –0.33, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

In the study cohort, older age, more frequent use of advanced insulin pump features, and a higher number of daily boluses were associated with better glycaemic control in adults with T1D.