Skin problems due to treatment with technology are associated with increased disease burden among adults with type 1 diabetes

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Background: In a 4-month follow-up survey, we examined whether treatment with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and/or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in adults with type 1 diabetes was associated with sustained skin problems and whether skin problems were associated with diabetes-related emotional distress. Research Design and Methods: A total of 111 adult patients completed a follow-up questionnaire concerning skin problems as a result of CSII and/or CGM use. The questionnaire included a patient-reported outcome measure, the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale. Results: Current visible skin problems caused by CSII or CGM use were reported by 51 (46.0%) participants, in 34 (66.7%) of whom skin problems had been reported more than 4 months earlier. Seventy-two (64.9%) participants reported skin problems as a result of CSII use, whereas 38 (74.5%) reported skin problems owing to CGM use at some time. Itching was the most prevalent complaint. CSII-related itching was associated with a mean PAID score >20 (P = 0.01), and patients with more than one skin problem had an increased PAID score compared with those with one or no skin problems (P = 0.006). Conclusions: More than half patients treated with CSII, CGM, or both had experienced skin problems during 4 months of follow-up that were associated with increased diabetes burden. Skin problems represent a persistent health issue affecting diabetes-specific emotional distress.

Original languageEnglish
JournalDiabetes Technology and Therapeutics
Volume21
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)215-221
Number of pages7
ISSN1520-9156
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

    Research areas

  • Continuous glucose monitoring, Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, Problem areas in diabetes, Skin problems, Type 1 diabetes.

ID: 236016226