UC Davis

Background

Disparities in Insulin Pump Use Among Spanish-Speaking Children With Type 1 Diabetes Compared to Their Non-Hispanic White Peers: Mixed Methods Study.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the use of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices among Spanish-language-preferring children in our clinic population and to identify specific barriers to technology use.

Methods

First, we assessed rates and patterns of diabetes technology use (eg, insulin pumps and CGM devices) in a sample of 76 children (38 Spanish-language preferring and 38 non-Hispanic White). We compared rates of technology use, average length of time between diabetes diagnosis and initiation of insulin pump or CGM device, and rates of discontinuation of these devices between the Spanish-language-preferring and non-Hispanic White children. Second, to understand specific barriers to technology use, we compared responses to a questionnaire assessing decision-making about insulin pumps.

Results

Spanish-language-preferring patients had lower rates of insulin pump use, even after controlling for age, gender, age at diagnosis, and type of health insurance. Spanish-language-preferring participants were more likely to report concerns over learning to use an insulin pump and were more likely to discontinue using an insulin pump after starting one.

Conclusions

These data confirm demographic disparities in insulin pump use among children with T1D and provide new insights about insulin pump discontinuation among Spanish-language-preferring children. Our findings suggest a need for improved patient education about insulin pump technology in general and improved support for Spanish-language-preferring families with T1D after initiation of pump therapy.