Objective: Health disparities exist in diabetes technology access for those youth with T1D who experience high social risk, despite likely benefits. Novel Interventions in Children’s Healthcare (NICH) , designed to improve health for youth with T1D experiencing such disparities, has previously been associated with improved diabetes technology access. This study compares diabetes technology use prior to and after NICH referral, and is the first such study to include a control group.
Methods: Youth with T1D served by NICH (n=65) and referred youth (“controls”: n=73) across 3 sites were included. EHR data included DKAs, hospitalizations, ED visits, and presence of diabetes technology 1 year prior and 2 years after NICH initiation. No significant demographic differences.
Results: Compared to the controls, NICH youth were significantly more likely to gain a CGM and experience significantly greater reductions in hospital admits, DKAs, and ED visits. After accounting for prior differences, only DKA event reduction and CGM access continued to be significant. Youth in NICH also averaged more years with tech access.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that while youth referred to NICH experience substantial barriers to accessing diabetes technology, youth in NICH were more likely to gain CGM access and have fewer DKA events than controls - and neither group approached national averages in technology access.
J.Lely: None. M.A.Harris: None. D.Naranjo: None. C.Jenisch: None. A.F.Manabat: None. C.Cruz: None. R.Bensen: None. A.Bonilla ospina: None. D.V.Wagner: None.
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
