SELF‐MANAGEMENT OF INSULIN PUMP SETTINGS AND DATA UPLOAD ARE ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER HBA1C

Background and Aims: The effect of insulin pump therapy is dependent on appropriate tuning of pump settings. We present associations between insulin pump self‐management and HbA1c.
Methods: Adult insulin pump users (18+) with type 1 diabetes from the Capital Region of Denmark completed an online questionnaire covering aspects of insulin pump self‐management including use of insulin pump functions, carbohydrate counting, data upload and insulin pump adjustment behaviors. Clinical data (HbA1c) and demographics were collected from respondents' electronic medical records and national registries. Linear regression models were used to investigate associations between HbA1c and insulin pump self‐management, adjusted for CGM use, sex, age, and educational level.
Results: In total, 770 individuals responded to the questionnaire. Most responders were female (60%); median age and HbA1c were 49 years and 56 mmol/mol, respectively. 36% reported uploading 2‐5 times a year or more, 14% uploaded once a year or less, and 50% never uploaded data. Uploading 2‐5 times a year or more was associated with lower HbA1c (‐2 mmol/mol, P = 0.049) compared with never uploading. 32% of individuals mainly adjusted pump settings themselves, while 68% mainly let their health care professional do the adjustments. Self‐adjusters had HbA1c 6 mmol/mol (P Conclusions: User‐driven data upload and adjustment of insulin pump settings are associated with lower HbA1c.