Automated Insulin Delivery Effects During Driving Among Older Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Key Findings:

- In this study, older adults (age 60 years and above) with long-standing type 1 diabetes were randomized to use automated insulin delivery system (Medtronic 670 G) or sensor augmented pump therapy (CGM and Pump) to evaluate effects of these systems on low blood sugar prevention during driving

- Total of 1894 driving trips were recorded and studied

- Older adults with type 1 diabetes spent nearly 45 minutes of their time during low blood sugar (blood sugar <70 mg/dL) during driving and there was no difference in low blood sugar by automated insulin delivery vs sensor augmented pump therapy (3.0% vs. 3.5%; P = 0.52)

Conclusion: hypoglycemia (Low blood sugar) is very common in older adults with type 1 diabetes despite use of sophisticated insulin delivery systems and continuous glucose monitoring. Therefore, developing driving specific tools along with CGM and pump could help to prevent dangerous low blood sugar while driving in people with type 1 diabetes.