Randomized Trial of Assisted Hybrid Closed-Loop Therapy Versus Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: Examine gestational safety, glycemic and health outcomes, of a hybrid closed-loop (HCL) system without pregnancy-specific glucose targets. Research Design: This was a pilot feasibility investigator-initiated, two-site, single-blind, randomized controlled trial of sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAPT) versus HCL therapy in type 1 diabetes pregnancies. Participants were enrolled in the first trimester and randomized at 14-18 weeks of gestation and used SAPT or HCL until 4-6 weeks postpartum. We compared continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics, severe hypoglycemia (SH), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), adverse skin reactions, and pregnancy outcomes between groups. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (n = 11 HCL and n = 12 SAPT). There was no SH or DKA episode after randomization. Time spent <54 mg/dL did not differ between groups. Time spent <63 mg/dL decreased in both groups, significantly in the HCL group (3.5% [1.3% standard error] second trimester and 2.8% [1.3%] third trimester vs. 7.9% [1.3%] run-in phase, P < 0.05 for both). Mean sensor glucose was lower with SAPT compared to HCL therapy in the third trimester (119 [4] mg/dL SAPT vs. 132 [4] mg/dL HCL, P < 0.05). Third trimester time-in-range (TIR; 63-140 mg/dL) increased with SAPT (68.2% [3.1%] vs. 64.3% [3.1%] run-in phase, P < 0.05). Gestational health outcomes did not differ between groups. The HCL group used assistive techniques, such as fake carbohydrate boluses and exiting HCL overnight. Conclusions: CGM within group differences were seen for time <63 mg/dL favoring HCL therapy and TIR favoring SAPT (third trimester vs. baseline). Safety and adverse pregnancy outcomes were similar between groups.

Keywords: CGM; Hybrid closed-loop therapy; Pregnancy; Sensor-augmented pump therapy; Type 1 diabetes.