Long-Term Glycemic Outcomes in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A 2-Year Real-World Analysis of Different Automated Insulin Delivery Systems Generations.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate long-term changes in glycemic control after switching from nonautomated insulin therapy to various automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (CwD). Research Design and Methods: This monocentric retrospective study included CwD under 20 years of age previously treated with multiple daily injections, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, or predictive low glucose management systems. Real-world data from 12 to 24 months following transition to AID were analyzed. Systems included the calibration-requiring Medtronic MiniMed™ 670G and noncalibration systems Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G and Tandem Control-IQ. Outcomes assessed included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), time in range (TIR), mean glucose, coefficient of variation, glycemia risk index (GRI), body mass index standardized deviation score, and total daily dose (TDD) of insulin. Nonparametric tests assessed between-system differences and longitudinal changes. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate factors influencing HbA1c. Results: Among 305 CwD initiating AID between 2019 and 2022, 83 (27.2%) used 670G and 222 (72.8%) used noncalibration systems. Across all groups, AID use led to significant improvements in TIR, time above range (181-250 mg/dL), time below range (<54 mg/dL), mean glucose, and GRI (all P < 0.001). HbA1c declined during the first year but regressed toward baseline in the second year (P < 0.001). At 24 months, noncalibration systems outperformed the 670G, showing lower HbA1c (7.4% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.021), reduced TDD (0.78 vs. 0.85 IU/kg/day, P = 0.022), and greater time in automated mode (95% vs. 73%, P < 0.001). Baseline HbA1c, AID type, and age were significant predictors of 24-month HbA1c. Conclusions: AID systems improve key glycemic outcomes and reduce hypoglycemia compared with prior therapies. Noncalibration systems demonstrate superior performance over time. However, the initial HbA1c benefits wane after the first year, highlighting the need for strategies to sustain long-term metabolic improvements.