RCT | Closed-loop insulin delivery system enhances blood sugar control in young children with type 1 diabetes

Summary: The study enrolled 102 young children between ages 2 and 5, randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either a closed-loop control system of insulin delivery (“artificial pancreas”) or a standard care comparison group. During the 13 weeks of study follow-up, participants in the artificial pancreas group spent 12% more time within their target blood glucose range compared to the standard care group.

The closed-loop group experienced two cases of severe hypoglycemia, while the standard-care group had one case. In the closed-loop group, one case of diabetic ketoacidosis occurred due to a problem with the insulin pump.

Article: Trial of Hybrid Closed-Loop Control in Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)

News Releases:

Artificial Pancreas Developed at UVA Improves Blood Sugar Control for Kids Ages 2-6, Study Finds – University of Virginia

NIH-supported trial shows artificial pancreas improves blood glucose control in young children – National Institutes of Health

Commentary on Twitter

In children 2 to younger than 6 years of age with type 1 diabetes, a closed-loop control system was associated with a greater percentage of time in the target glycemic range than standard care. https://t.co/rAOLXRNuub#pediatrics #T1D pic.twitter.com/Nzwl3aFr1w

— NEJM (@NEJM) March 17, 2023