Benefits of Diabetes Technology Utilization for Youth Patients

Technology is constantly evolving and the health care space is among the top industries benefiting from innovation. In a presentation at American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 79th Scientific Sessions, a professional interest group presented on the benefits of utilizing technology to manage diabetes especially among youth patients—specifically the use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). 

In a session titled, “Diabetes Technology Use in Schools, Camps, and Emergency Rooms,” ADA researchers emphasized the importance of the coordination of care among families, schools, and health providers, as well as extending the advantages of consistent diabetes technology use to ADA camp programs. 

“In order to keep students with diabetes safe at school, prevent complications, and ensure full participation in all activities, proper diabetes care must be attended to throughout the day including during school hours and all school-related activities,” said Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, PhD, ARNP, CDE, clinical assistant professor and director of diabetes education and clinic operations at the University of Florida, College of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology; and coauthor of the ADA’s Position Statement, according to a press release. “In today’s world, diabetes management includes supporting the student’s use of a variety of diabetes technologies, including insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, Bluetooth insulin pens and meters, and hybrid closed loop insulin delivery systems. To be successful, a strong partnership to coordinate care among the family, school, and diabetes health care provider is essential.”

Familiarizing school nurses and staff with the various diabetes management technology and resources available was among the top recommendations offered by Dr Albanese-O’Neill. She added that local health care professionals must also commit their attention to improving the resource material available so that those involved with diabetes care are educated on the most up-to-date practices. 

The second portion of the presentation focused on the plant to extend the advantages of the various technologies to the diabetes camps attended by children learning to manage their diabetes. These camps are designed to teach children how to be more independent and self-reliant for treatment. 

Lowell Schmeltz, MD, FACE, an associate professor at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, chairman of Camp Midicha (Michigan), and a member of the ADA Youth Strategies Committee, emphasized that the use of diabetes technology at camp extends beyond blood sugar management, according to a press release. “During camp, we foster independence and self-confidence, and we aim for the child to be more knowledgeable and capable of contributing to their daily and ongoing diabetes management.”

According to data shared during the presentation, continuous glucose monitoring use at a diabetes camp demonstrated its immense benefits. “Campers using CGM had a 74% lower relative risk of having at least one severe hypoglycemic episode (blood glucose <50[mg/dl]) during their week at camp, compared to controls (14% vs. 38%; OR: 0.26 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.73); P = 0.0012),” per a study presented at ADA’s conference. —Edan Stanley