At T1D Exchange, 2021 has been a year of immense growth. In the past year, the T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) has grown from 30 to 41 endocrinology centers, serving more than 55,000 people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We created the T1D Exchange Health Equity Advancement Lab (HEAL) program, working to test new approaches to break down barriers to equitable care for all people with T1D. We also published findings from more than 50 studies this year! 

 

Here are our top 10 research highlights of 2021: 

July 2021 Clinical Diabetes Special Collection: T1D Exchange Quality Improvement Collaborative (T1DX-QI) 

In the July 2021 edition of Clinical Diabetes, T1D Exchange was featured in a special collection of articles about the T1DX-QI. Clinical Diabetes is a publication that aligns closely with the T1DX-QI work to create a collaborative space for health care providers to share information and strategize about how to improve treatment and care for people with T1D. 

With 5 articles covering our work in the quality improvement space, it was an honor to be featured in this publication. 

 

T1DX-QI Learning Session – November 2021

We hosted over 200 participants across the 41 diabetes centers participating in the T1DX-QI in a very engaging conference. This year, 21 abstracts from the oral presentations delivered during the learning session were published in the Journal of Diabetes! 

These 21 abstracts included work to minimize inequities in T1D tech usage, support mental health and T1D, and develop tools to help diabetes clinics collaborate most effectively. 

 

Study Publication Highlights:  

Racial Inequities among People with Type 1 Diabetes and COVID-19  

In January, T1D Exchange study results examining racial inequities among people with T1D and COVID-19 were included in two major publications. This study found that among T1D patients with COVID-19 infection, non-Hispanic Black patients were more likely to present in diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA) compared with non-Hispanic White patients.  

This was the first major study to examine racial-ethnic inequities for people with T1D and COVID-19 that are brought on by structural and systemic racism. 

 

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) Usage and Health Outcomes among People with T1D and COVID-19 

This study we presented at the Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) Conference in June examined CGM usage among people with T1D and COVID-19 who experienced hospitalization and/or DKA. 

Overall, people with T1D and COVID-19 who used a CGM had lower rates of adverse clinical outcomes than people who did not use a CGM, reiterating how vital it is that all people with T1D can access and afford a CGM. 

 

Real-time CGM Versus Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in T1D  

Another T1D Exchange presentation from ATTD 2021, this study looked at the T1D outcomes for two groups: people who use CGMs and people who self-monitor their blood glucose levels.  

This study found that the self-monitored group had a higher average A1c level at 8.8% compared to the group of CGM users, which had an average A1c of 8.1%. The group of CGM users also had fewer severe hypoglycemia events than the self-monitored group, and fewer instances of DKA. 

 

Conference Highlights:  

Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) 

In June, T1D Exchange presented several studies at this year’s ATTD Conference. These studies covered topics including comparing real-time CGM use with self-monitoring blood glucose, CGM usage in people with T1D and COVID-19, insulin pump usage in people with T1D and COVID-19, and the challenges of transitioning to telehealth during COVID-19.  

 

American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 81st Scientific Sessions 

T1D Exchange was honored to present 9 posters and an oral presentation at ADA’s 81st Scientific Sessions in June. Presentation highlights include HbA1c trends between 2017-2020, insulin pump use, CGM use and A1c, six habits that support T1D outcomes, insights from the T1D Exchange Registry, a new screening tool for Fear of Hypoglycemia and more!  

 

ADCES 

In August, T1D Exchange presented three posters at the ADCES Annual Conference. These posters focused on different aspects of severe hypoglycemia, particularly glucagon usage, being prepared for an emergency, and the emotional impacts of low blood glucose events. 

 

European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)  

At the EASD Annual Meeting in September, T1D Exchange Research Scientist Jingwen Liu, Ph.D., presented about the validation of a new tool for healthcare providers to use when screening for fear of hypoglycemia in people with T1D.  

The screener consistently showed that it can reliably assess if a person with T1D needs additional support in this area. 

 

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) 

In October, the T1D Exchange team shared 9 presentations at the 47th Annual ISPAD Conference. We shared new national data on different topic areas including COVID-19, T1DX-QI portal for collaborating with other clinics, smart insulin pens, and more!  

Additionally, T1D Exchange Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Osagie Ebekozien, MD, MPH, was awarded the 2021 ISPAD Prize for Innovation in Pediatric Diabetes Care! 

 

Although we’ve made steady progress this year, our work to ensure the entire T1D community has access to the best care must continue. With your support, in 2022 we can continue driving access to the best tools, resources, and healthcare for every person impacted by T1D.     

 

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