P-351: Inequities in access to and use of continuous glucose monitoring among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Brazil: a national pilot study
R da Lapa Conceição, D Machado Mourão, A E Regis Modesto, L Ventura OliveiraAbstract
Introduction
Appropriate use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) significantly improves time in range and reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications. As children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) cannot independently manage their condition, CGM is strongly recommended. Although CGM is being gradually incorporated into the Brazilian public healthcare system, the profile of pediatric users remains unknown.
Objectives
To investigate CGM use among children and adolescents with T1D in Brazil.
Methods
This cross-sectional descriptive pilot study reports preliminary findings from one arm of the study “Evaluation of continuous glucose monitoring use in people with diabetes in Brazil,” conducted within the Graduate Program in Health, Environment and Biodiversity at the Federal University of Southern Bahia. Parents or caregivers of individuals aged <18 years with T1D using CGM completed an electronic questionnaire covering sociodemographic, clinical, and CGM-related characteristics.
Results
Among the 62 participants enrolled to date, 39% were children (≤10 years) and 61% were adolescents, with a mean diabetes duration of 4.6 years. Continuous CGM use was reported by 72% of participants. Most families (67.7%) purchased CGM with their own financial resources, while only five (8%) received devices through the Brazilian public healthcare system. Supply shortages within the public system and high out-of-pocket costs were the main reasons for CGM discontinuation. In addition, 8 % reported that CGM data were not reviewed by their physician and 61 % not by other healthcare team members. The most frequently used CGM features were current glucose values, trend arrows, and hypo- and hyperglycemia alerts.
Conclusions
These preliminary findings highlight the need for public policies ensuring uninterrupted access to CGM, as well as training healthcare professionals to effectively integrate CGM data into diabetes care.