Portable Artificial Pancreas Applied for Youth and Adolescents

Background of the study:

Inreda Diabetic B.V. (Goor, The Netherlands) developed a bi-hormonal reactive closed loop system to automate glucose regulation (artificial pancreas; AP) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1. In previous studies, we tested the performance and safety of this bi-hormonal closed-loop system in an outpatient setting in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) for a duration up to 2 weeks, leading to CE-marking of the system. The device is currently intended for insulin-dependent adult patients with diabetes. However, there is great need to improve glycaemic control in youth and adolescents with diabetes.

Objective of the study:

The main objective of this study is to determine the performance of the closed-loop system in adolescents with T1DM. Secondary objectives include: to assess the safety of the closed-loop system; to determine the time that the closed-loop algorithm is active; and to assess expectations and treatment satisfaction of the closed-loop system.

Study design:

This study is a monocenter randomized cross-over trial.

Study population:

The study population will comprise 20 patients with T1DM, between 12 and 18 years old, not having impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia, and who are treated with insulin therapy for at least 6 months. Patients receiving treatment with multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin injections (CSII), and in addition glucose monitoring using self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), flash glucose monitoring (FGM) or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) are included into the study.

Intervention:

The intervention includes 2 weeks of closed-loop control with the artificial pancreas (AP) of Inreda Diabetic. The device uses 2 subcutaneous glucose sensors, 2 subcutaneous infusion sets, and incorporates 2 pumps and a reactive closed-loop algorithm. During 4-6 days before the intervention the patients receive training on the use of the closed-loop system and will start using the device under close supervision. The control arm (open loop treatment) consists of the patient's standard therapy at home for 2 weeks.

Main study parameters/endpoints:

Main study parameter is the percentage of time spent in the target range (3.9-10.0 mmol/L), which will be compared between the open and closed-loop periods for each patient.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus
• Twelve to eighteen years old;
• Treated with insulin therapy for at least 6 months;
• Willing and able to sign informed consent or to assent to study participation.

Exclusion criteria

• Impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia (score ≥ 4) according to Gold and/or Clarke questionnaire[6,7];
• BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2;
• Pregnancy and/or breastfeeding;
• HbA1c > 97 mmol/mol (11.0%);
• Use of acetaminophen (paracetamol) during the open loop or closed-loop period,as this may influence the sensor glucose measurements;
• Limited ability to see, hear or feel the alarm signals of the closed-loop system;
• Unwillingness to act in response to the alarm signals;
• Living alone during the night during the closed-loop period (the patient may ask someone to stay over temporarily);
• Expected poor internet connectivity regarding 24/7 tele monitoring;
• Any condition that the local investigator feels would interfere with trial participation or evaluation of the results.