Glucose Control Using a Standard Versus an Enhanced Hybrid Closed Loop System: A Randomized Crossover Study

Hybrid closed loop (HCL) insulin delivery with the Medtronic Minimed 670G system is effective and safe in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study compared glucose control, closed loop (CL) exits, and alarm frequency with the standard HCL (s-HCL) versus enhanced HCL (e-HCL) Medtronic system. Pump-experienced T1D adults (n = 11; 9 female; mean [SD] age: 51 years [15 years]; HbA1c 7.5% [1.0%] or 58 mmol/mol [7.7 mmol/mol]) were assigned, in random order, s-HCL or e-HCL for 1 week each in a supervised live-in setting. e-HCL incorporated enhanced bolus reminders and iterative changes, broadening glucose and insulin delivery parameters permitting persistence in CL. For both s-HCL and e-HCL, insulin delivery was by a Medtronic pump with identical interventions (missed bolus, exercise, high-glycemic index, and high-fat meals), insulin action times, and insulin-carbohydrate ratios implemented. The primary outcome was continuous glucose monitoring time in target range. Analysis was by paired t-test for normally distributed data and Wilcoxon-signed rank test otherwise. e-HCL resulted in significantly fewer CL alerts and exits. Time in target and mean glucose favored e-HCL but did not reach statistical significance. No episodes of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis occurred. Relative to s-HCL, e-HCL use significantly decreases CL exits and alerts, and tended to improve glycemia without compromising safety, despite multiple food and exercise challenges during the study. Longer term studies at home are merited.