Diabetes Technology Access: Supply Disruptions Linked to Poorer Health outcomes
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- Diabetes Technology Access: Supply Disruptions Linked to Poorer Health outcomes
Virginia Beach,VA – A recent study highlights widespread challenges patients face in consistently accessing essential diabetes technology,leading to disruptions in care and perhaps worsening health. The findings, presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions, underscore a critical need for systemic improvements in supply chains and insurance coverage.
Key Findings on Diabetes Technology Access
Researchers found that interruptions in obtaining prescribed supplies-including continuous glucose monitors (CGM), insulin pumps, and insulin itself-are surprisingly common. These gaps stem from a complex interplay of factors, primarily insurer requirements, supplier delays, and prescription renewal issues. According to the study, 42.7% of CGM users and 27.3% of insulin pump users experienced at least one supply gap annually, while 12.7% reported interruptions in insulin access.
“Almost every single day this theme comes up with patients where they have prescribed diabetes technology supplies, but something happens to interrupt that supply and they’re not able to use the system as intended,” explained Dr. Andrew Welch, an endocrinologist at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.
Factors Contributing to Supply Gaps
The study pinpointed three primary drivers of these access problems: prior authorization demands from insurance companies, processing delays at supplier facilities, and delays in receiving updated prescriptions from physicians. These hurdles disproportionately affect individuals with lower incomes and those enrolled in Medicaid.
Did You Know?
Patients receiving 30-day prescriptions for supplies experienced significantly more access gaps compared to those with 90-day prescriptions.
Early device failure also plays a ample role. The research revealed that 42% of CGM users and 47% of insulin pump users reported experiencing device malfunctions frequently enough-more than 10% of the time-to disrupt their diabetes management. Failure rates varied by brand, ranging from 39% with the Dexcom G6 to 53% for Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 for CGMs, and from 34% with Medtronic’s MiniMed 780G to 53% for Insulet’s Omnipod 5 for insulin pumps.
Impact on Patient Health and Socioeconomic Status
Access gaps were demonstrably linked to poorer glycemic control, as measured by A1C levels. Individuals with A1C levels above 7.0% reported significantly more frequent supply interruptions. This correlation highlights the critical importance of uninterrupted access to technology for effective diabetes management. According to the Centers for disease Control and Prevention, maintaining an A1C below 7.0% is a key goal for many individuals with diabetes [[CDC]].
Dr. David T. Ahn, chief of diabetes services at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, noted the findings weren’t entirely surprising. “There’s a group of people who don’t report any problems with this, and then there’s a group who has so many problems that it can take over the whole clinical picture of that person’s diabetes care,” he stated.
Data Summary: Diabetes Technology Access Gaps
| Technology | Percentage Reporting Any Gap Per Year | Average Number of Gaps Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) | 42.7% | 2.6 |
| Insulin Pump | 27.3% | 2.4 |
| insulin | 12.7% | 2.2 |
Pro Tip:
Patients can proactively mitigate potential gaps by discussing longer prescription durations (e.g., 90-day supplies) with their healthcare providers.
Potential Solutions and Calls for Change
Researchers and clinicians are advocating for systemic changes to address these challenges. Dr. Welch emphasized the need for insurance companies to cover diabetes supplies based on documented failure rates and physician-prescribed quantities, without imposing burdensome prior authorization requirements. He suggested that insurers should cover quantities of supplies based on published failure rate data or physician-prescribed amounts, streamlining the process for patients.
Some workarounds, such as providing free samples or prescribing larger quantities of supplies, have limited effectiveness, particularly with items like CGM sensors, which have fixed usage durations. Optimizing workflow within practices, especially those specializing in type 1 diabetes management, is also crucial, according to Dr. Ahn.
What steps can be taken to ensure equitable access to diabetes technology for all patients? How can healthcare providers and insurance companies collaborate to streamline the supply chain and reduce administrative burdens?
The Growing Landscape of Diabetes Technology
The prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally, with an estimated 537 million adults living with the condition in 2021 [[IDF]]. Advances in diabetes technology, such as CGMs and insulin pumps, have revolutionized diabetes management, offering improved glycemic control and quality of life. Though, these technologies are only effective when patients have consistent access to them. The ongoing challenges highlighted in this research underscore the need for continued advocacy and innovation to ensure that all individuals with diabetes can benefit from these life-changing tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes Technology Access
- What is a prior authorization, and why dose it cause delays? A prior authorization is a requirement from insurance companies that a healthcare provider obtain approval before prescribing a medication or device. This process can be time-consuming and create delays in access.
- Why are 90-day prescriptions better than 30-day prescriptions for diabetes supplies? Patients receiving 90-day supplies reported fewer access gaps,likely due to reduced administrative burdens and less frequent refill requests.
- What can patients do if they experiance a gap in their diabetes technology supplies? Patients should contact their healthcare provider and supplier to explore options for expedited replacements or temporary solutions.
- What is the role of insurance companies in addressing these access gaps? Insurance companies can streamline the prior authorization process, cover supplies based on failure rates, and ensure timely processing of refill requests.
- How common is device failure with CGMs and insulin pumps? Device failure is a significant issue, with over 40% of CGM and insulin pump users reporting malfunctions frequently enough to disrupt their diabetes management.
Disclaimer: This article provides general data and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance on diabetes management.
We hope this article sheds light on the critical issue of diabetes technology access. please share this information with your network to raise awareness and advocate for improved care for individuals living with diabetes. Your comments and feedback are always welcome!
