The SAGE study: Global observational analysis of glycaemic control, hypoglycaemia and diabetes management in T1DM

To describe glycaemic control and diabetes management in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), in a real-life global setting.

Study of Adults' GlycEmia (SAGE) was a multinational, multicentre, single visit, noninterventional, cross-sectional study in adult patients with T1DM. Data were collected at a single visit, analysed according to predefined age groups (26-44, 45-64 and ≥65 years) and reported across different regions. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants achieving HbA_1c  less than 7.0 % in each age group. Secondary endpoints included incidence of hypoglycaemia, severe hypoglycaemia and severe hyperglycaemia leading to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and therapeutic management of T1DM.

Of 3903 included participants, 3858 (98.8%) were eligible for the study. Overall, 24.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.9-25.6) of participants achieved the glycaemic target of HbA_1c  less than 7.0 %, with more participants achieving this target in the 26-44 years group (27.6% [95% CI: 25.5-29.8]). Target achievement was highest in Eastern and Western Europe, and lowest in the Middle East. The incidence of hypoglycaemia and of severe hyperglycaemia leading to DKA tended to decrease with age, and varied across regions. Age and regional differences were observed in therapeutic management, including types of device/insulin usage, frequency of insulin dose adjustment and technology usage.

Glycaemic control remains poor in adults with T1DM globally. Several areas of treatment may be optimised to improve outcomes, including supporting patient self-management of insulin therapy, increasing use of technologies such as CGM, and greater provision of healthcare support.