Improved glycemic outcomes with diabetes technology use independent of socioeconomic status in youth with type 1 diabetes.
Objective Technology use in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is impacted by socioeconomic status (SES). This analysis explored relationships between SES, glycemic outcomes and technology use. Research Design and Methods Cross-sectional analysis of HbA1c data from 2822 Australian youth with T1D was undertaken. Residential postcode was used to assign SES based on The Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD). Linear regression models evaluated associations between IRSD quintile, HbA1c and management regimen. Results Insulin pump therapy, continuous glucose monitoring and their concurrent use were associated with lower mean HbA1c across all IRSD quintiles (p<0.001). There was no interaction between technology use and IRSD quintile on HbA1c (p=0.624), reflecting a similar association of lower HbA1c with technology use across all IRSD quintiles. Conclusions Technology use was associated with lower HbA1c across all socioeconomic backgrounds. Socioeconomic disadvantage does not preclude glycemic benefits of diabetes technologies, highlighting the need to remove barriers to technology access.