Racial Disparities in Access and Use of Diabetes Technology Among Adult Patients With Type 1 Diabetes in a US Academic Medical Center

OBJECTIVE Recent studies highlight racial disparities in insulin pump (PUMP) and continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study explored racial disparities in diabetes technology among adult patients with T1D. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a retrospective clinic-based cohort study of adult patients with T1D seen consecutively from April 2013 to January 2020. Race was categorized into non-Black (reference group) and Black. The primary outcomes were baseline and prevalent technology use, rates of diabetes technology discussions (CGM(discn), PUMPdiscn), and prescribing (CGM(rx), PUMPrx). Multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluated the association of technology discussions and prescribing with race, adjusting for social determinants of health and diabetes outcomes. RESULTS Among 1,258 adults with T1D, baseline technology use was significantly lower for Black compared with non-Black patients (7.9% vs. 30.3% for CGM; 18.7% vs. 49.6% for PUMP), as was prevalent use (43.6% vs. 72.1% for CGM; 30.7% vs. 64.2% for PUMP). Black patients had adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of 0.51 (95% CI 0.29, 0.90) for CGM(discn) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.41, 0.93) for CGM(rx). Black patients had aORs of 0.74 (95% CI 0.44, 1.25) for PUMPdiscn and 0.40 (95% CI, 0.22, 0.70) for PUMPrx. Neighborhood context, insurance, marital and employment status, and number of clinic visits were also associated with the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Significant racial disparities were observed in discussions, prescribing, and use of diabetes technology. Further research is needed to identify the causes behind these disparities and develop and evaluate strategies to reduce them.

Automated summary

Recent studies have found racial disparities in the use of diabetes technology among adult patients with type 1 diabetes. Black patients have lower rates of technology use, discussions, and prescribing compared to non-Black patients. Social determinants of health and diabetes outcomes are also associated with these disparities.