Displaying One Session

PARALLEL SESSION Webcast
Session Type
PARALLEL SESSION
Channel
Paris
Date
21.02.2020, Friday
Session Time
16:40 - 18:00

Introduction

Session Type
PARALLEL SESSION
Date
21.02.2020, Friday
Session Time
16:40 - 18:00
Channel
Paris
Lecture Time
16:40 - 16:50

Unmet technology needs in minority people in Europe

Session Type
PARALLEL SESSION
Date
21.02.2020, Friday
Session Time
16:40 - 18:00
Channel
Paris
Lecture Time
16:50 - 17:10

Abstract

Background and Aims / Part 1

Access to technology is nowadays essential to provide a state-of-the-art care of type 1 diabetes. Different studies have provided evidence that the use of pump and sensors is effective and safe to accomplish glycemic control goals; however, access to technology depends on the reimbursement policies which are very variable among the different countries in the European Union.

Methods / Part 2

For pumps, several studies have shown a gradient north-south in the use of insulin pumps, strongly correlated to reimbursement and % GDP investment in health. For sensors, there are inequalities in the type and grade of reimbursement within different countries across the European Union and sometimes in different areas of the same country. Although, there is clear evidence that socioeconomic factors are very closely linked with the accomplishment of glycemic goals, data regarding performance of diabetes in minorities are really lacking in European populations. In addition, the cultural and linguistical diversity of Europe, makes difficult to establish an accurate and broadly accepted definition of the term minority, which varies among the different countries.

Results / Part 3

Although it may seem that equity in the access to diabetes technology in Europe is guaranteed no matter if the individual belongs or not to an ethnic minority, the truth is that accessibility to diabetes education is inextricably linked with the ability to speak the native language of a certain country and the adoption of the country native culture. Regarding pediatric care, many young children belonging to ethnic minorities are able to speak fluidly the official languages of the country where they live, but their relatives are not always in the same situation and disbalances in the access to information and education compromises the capacity to choose and learn how to use the technology.

Conclusions / Part 4

The refugee movement that Europe has been witnessing during the last few years is testing the ability of Europe to provide equality and equity access to technological diabetes therapies.

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Unmet technology needs in Arabic region, Africa and Asia

Session Type
PARALLEL SESSION
Date
21.02.2020, Friday
Session Time
16:40 - 18:00
Channel
Paris
Lecture Time
17:10 - 17:30

Abstract

Background and Aims / Part 1

According to the latest IDF Diabetes Atlas, it is estimated that 15.5 and 84 million people living with diabetes in Africa and South East Asia respectively. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region alone has 38.7 million people with diabetes. The disease is serious and increasing to reach a global epidemic resulting in huge burden on the overall world health care requirement. Insulin is included in the World Health Organization as an essential medicine. However, it is still not available on an uninterrupted basis in many parts of the developing world. The consequences of lack of insulin access are alarming as it is a life-saving medication. In Sub-Saharan Africa, lack of regular access to insulin results in a life expectancy of less than a year for a child with type 1 diabetes. In addition, it results in an increased incidence of blindness, amputations, kidney failure and premature mortality.

Methods / Part 2

Diabetes technology is a term used to describe devices, hard and software that people use to manage diabetes, reduce complications and improve quality of life. It covers insulin delivery modalities and glucose monitoring tools. Technology to improve management of type 1 diabetes has markedly advanced over the past few decades. It developed from early insulin pumps and blood glucose meters to integration with consumer electronics and cloud-based data systems.

Results / Part 3

There are multiple unmet needs in the use of technology in diabetes management worldwide but these are more pronounced in low-resource regions. Cost comes at the top of the list when access to diabetes technologies with expensive devices and supplies is concerned. However, cost is not the sole factor. Roles and regulations over the use of technology can hinder its wide use in countries where electronic security is limited. Digital security and vulnerability might render patients’ safe use of devices at risk as device setting can be accessed remotely and wirelessly changed. Limited accessibility, whether provided in publicly funded health system or based on private insurance poses a major challenge. In addition, shortage of trained health professionals and lack of resources in health sector constitute major factors for the unavailability and the low quality of care and service received for people with diabetes.

Conclusions / Part 4

In this presentation, special emphasis will be thrown on low income countries from Africa and Asia. Results from surveys on views of health care professionals on the subject will be presented.
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Unmet technology needs in minority people in North and South America

Session Type
PARALLEL SESSION
Date
21.02.2020, Friday
Session Time
16:40 - 18:00
Channel
Paris
Lecture Time
17:30 - 17:50

Abstract

Background and Aims / Part 1

Technology use in individuals with type 1 diabetes is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, access to technology is not available to all populations across North and South America. In this presentation, access to technology in North and South America will be reviewed with emphasis on the access to these devices by individuals from minority groups and lower socioeconomic status.

Methods / Part 2

The literature was reviewed to describe access to technology across various regions of North and South America.

Results / Part 3

Access to technology is varied across North and South America. Limiting factors for technology access include device availability, device cost, and insurance coverage. Access to technology is even more limited in minority individuals and those with lower socioeconomic status – both groups with worse health outcomes.

Conclusions / Part 4

Technology is becoming increasingly more important for the management of type 1 diabetes, particularly with the advent of automated insulin delivery devices. Unfortunately, access to technology is variable across North and South America. The most vulnerable populations, individuals of minority status and lower socioeconomic access, have the most restrictive access to technology resulting in a further gap in health disparities. Advocating for equal access to diabetes technology has the potential to narrow care gaps.

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Conclusions

Session Type
PARALLEL SESSION
Date
21.02.2020, Friday
Session Time
16:40 - 18:00
Channel
Paris
Lecture Time
17:50 - 18:00