Holistic Impact of Closed-Loop Technology on People With Type 1 Diabetes

The artificial pancreas (closed-loop insulin delivery) is a potentially exciting technological advance in diabetes. Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and a control algorithm to modulate insulin delivery by a subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump, preliminary results from non-hospital settings look promising.^1-5 Understanding the biomedical and psychological impact of these systems is crucial if it is to be a viable therapy choice for people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Recent research has explored the holistic impact of closed-loop technology overnight in the home setting.^4,5 Here we report 3 case studies from new research ¹ demonstrating the impact, benefits and challenges experienced by adults in a closed-loop trial used overnight at home for 1 month.

For a 33-year-old male, T1DM diagnosis aged 8 (CSII-5 years), HbA1c 8.6% (71 mmol/mol), BMI 30.6 kg/m², time spent overnight during closed-loop with normal glucose (3.9 - 8.0 mmol/l) increased by 34% compared to control (real-time CGM combined with CSII) (average glucose level overnight 2.3 mmol/l lower). The experience was “life-changing.” The closed-loop system provided a novel sense of security and confidence, and feeling like “a better version of myself.” Night-time hypoglycemia, which had been a major concern, was reportedly eliminated. Feeling safe at night on closed-loop, this participant reported a “sense of loss” when it ended. Similar experiences were reported by other participants: cessation of night-time hypoglycemia and improved sleep, leading to improved daytime diabetes control and greater peace of mind.

For a 32-year-old female, T1DM diagnosis aged 15 (CSII-10 years), HbA1c 8.5% (69 mmol/mol), BMI 26.9 kg/m², time spent with normal glucose levels overnight increased from 48% to 56% during closed-loop (average glucose level 0.5 mmol/l lower), without increasing time spent hypoglycemic. The participant explained that closed-loop enabled her to better perform at work, provided greater flexibility, and had a positive impact waking up on a “good” number. She described her experience as “the best control I’ve had for several years,” although getting used to the equipment took some time.

For a 30-year-old male, T1DM diagnosis aged 10 (CSII-8 years), HbA1c 7.2% (55 mmol/mol), BMI 27.2 kg/m², during closed-loop, time spent euglycemic overnight increased by 12% (average glucose 8.0 vs 9.2 mmol/l). This participant experienced a number of technological difficulties at the beginning, which were described as “intensely irritating,” especially the design of the pump. Although once on closed-loop he explained how it “kind of takes some weight off your mind.” All participants reported technological challenges such as system portability, frequent alarms, and poor device connectivity.

These data provide unique insight into the experience of participants using closed-loop technology. Closed-loop was associated with improved blood glucose control and psychosocial functioning. Greater control over diabetes was commonly reported, more broadly than blood glucose control. Benefits included “time off” from thinking about diabetes constantly, feelings of “normality,” and increased flexibility. The participants had trust in the algorithm during overnight infusion of insulin. However, downsides were commonly reported with hardware (pump and sensor). Next-generation technology may improve participants’ experiences and acceptability further.