Short-Term Diabetic Retinopathy Status in People with Type 1 Diabetes Commencing Automated Insulin Delivery

Objective: Rapid improvements in glucose control may lead to early worsening of diabetic retinopathy (EWDR). There is a need to demonstrate safety in people commencing automated insulin delivery (AID) due to the known efficacy in rapid glycemic improvement. We aimed to investigate short-term DR outcomes in people (aged ≥13 years) with type 1 diabetes after initiation of AID (use ≥6 months). Research Design and Methods: Retrospective four center observational study with participants drawn from hospital databases (Dunedin and Christchurch, New Zealand) and also from two research studies based out of Auckland, New Zealand, and Perth, Australia. Demographic and clinical characteristics and DR grading data before and after AID initiation were collected, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: DR grading data from 165 people using AID (three different AID systems) were available, and mean improvement in HbA1c for the total sample was 1.0 ± 1.3 percentage points. Improvements in grading were seen in 32/165 (19%), 99/165 (60%) were stable, and 34/165 (21%) worsened in their R- and/or M-grade. Age at AID initiation ≥18 years was the only significant risk factor for any worsening of DR (P = 0.028). Proliferative change and need for photocoagulation were uncommon but did occur in 3% (5/165); all noted to have prior DR, diabetes duration >10 years, and with at least another diabetes complication or prior DR treatment. Conclusions: In this study, stable or improved DR grades were evident in most who had recently commenced AID. Age at AID initiation <18 years appears protective.