Six months of hybrid closed loop in the real‐world: An evaluation of children and young adults using the 670G system

Objective To describe glycemic and psychosocial outcomes in youth with type 1 diabetes using a hybrid closed loop (HCL) system. Subjects Youth with type 1 diabetes (2‐25 years) starting the 670G HCL system for their diabetes care were enrolled in an observational study. Methods Prospective data collection occurred during routine clinical care and included glycemic variables (sensor time in range [70‐180 mg/dL], HbA1c), and psychosocial variables (Hypoglycemia Fear Survey [HFS]; Problem Areas in Diabetes [PAID]). Mixed models were used to analyze change across time. Results Ninety‐two youth (mean age 15.7 ± 3.6 years, 50% female, HbA1c 8.8% ± 1.8%) started HCL for their diabetes care. Youth used Auto Mode 65.5% ± 3.0% of the time at month 1, which decreased to 51.2% ± 3.4% at month 6 (P = .001). Sensor time in range increased from 50.7% ± 1.8% at baseline to 56.9% ± 2.1% at 6 months (P = .007). HbA1c decreased from 8.7% ± 0.2% at baseline to 8.4% ± 0.2% after 6 months of use (P ≤ .0001), with the greatest HbA1c decline in participants with high baseline HbA1c. Increased percent time in auto mode was associated with lower HbA1c (P = .02). Thirty percent of youth discontinued HCL in the first 6 months of use. There were no changes in the HFS or PAID scores across time. Conclusions HCL use is associated with improved glycemic control and no change in psychosocial outcomes in this clinical sample. The decline in HCL use across time suggests that youth experience barriers in sustaining use of HCL. Further research is needed to understand reasons for HCL discontinuation and determine intervention strategies.