Type 1 diabetes (T1D), one of the most prevalent incurable diseases of childhood, is associated with serious risk of morbidity and mortality due to the development of micro- and macrovascular complications. Complications can be prevented by treatment that achieves physiological or near physiological levels of glucose. Despite innovations in management over the past three decades, pediatric patients of African ancestry (AA) have had persistently higher HbA1c than patients of white, European ancestry (EA). Higher HbA1c in AA patients is associated with both higher acute and chronic morbidity and mortality compared to EA patients. Thus, racial disparity in glycemic outcome and the development of complications is a major unresolved challenge of current clinical pediatric diabetes treatment.
Multiple factors contribute to high-risk levels of mean blood glucose (MBG) in pediatric AA patients compared to EA. AA patients have less access to insulin pumps, perform glucose testing less often, have less contact with diabetes management staff, and may have difficulty relating to management staff due to cultural and socioeconomic differences. Greater occurrence of hypoglycemia is another obstacle to achieving optimal glucose control. These considerations have led us to hypothesize that an intervention targeting this group of major management obstacles will sustainably reduce MBG to levels comparable to EA patients without increased hypoglycemia. The investigators propose that an advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) pump system combined with frequent enhanced home video management conferencing (TECH) with the study CDE nurse coordinator will facilitate improvement of MBG and HbA1c, increase time in glycemic goal range, have minimal occurrence of hypoglycemia, and improve patient satisfaction with management.
Part 1: The investigators will first pre-test the intervention approach in ten participants using a combination of an advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) pump system + home video conferences with the study CDE nurse coordinator to enhance home management. Basic inclusion criterion will be self-identification as African American ethnicity, having T1D, 8.5\<HbA1c\<12%, age 10-17 years. The field trial will be for a 4 week period. THe investigators will use feedback and experience during the "field trial" from patients, parents and the study coordinator to refine the intervention and reduce patient problems with the technology, enhance its effectiveness improve participant adherence to management. This information will help guide/refine the design and use of the technologies in a randomized intervention trial (Part 2). Participants may choose to continue using the technologies after the initial 4 week Field Trial period for up to 6 months. AHCL must be returned at the end of participation.
Part 2: The investigators will conduct a randomized intervention trial in a factorial four group design comparing outcome measures in participants assigned to the combined AHCL+conferencing, versus use of AHCL or conferencing alone versus usual care. Basic inclusion criterion will be self-identification as African American ethnicity, having T1D, 8.5\<HbA1c\<12%, age 10-17 years. Outcome measures will be assessed at 3 and 6 month study visits. The major outcome metric will be HbA1c. In addition mean blood glucose (MBG), time in range, frequency of hyper/hypoglycemia, quality of life and treatment satisfaction will be compared between groups, Participation will be concluded at the 6 month visit. AHCL must be returned at the end of participation.
