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Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 40452799 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaf068

Determining Insulin Pump Candidacy: The Disconnect Between Clinical Care Guidelines and Clinical Practice.

J Endocr Soc 9(7):bvaf068

Authors: Estelle Everett, Lisa Dao, Nagambika Munaganuru, Kelechi Udeze, Samantha Gutierrez, Sarah Gann, Ashley Meda, Ryan Tiu, Amanda Arevalo, Chanelz Drexler, Yonis Abdulrahman, Cynthia Santana, Tannaz Moin

Affiliations

  • Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.
  • Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Sciences Research, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA.
  • Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.
  • Institute for Society and Genetics, College of Letters and Science, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
  • Department of Integrative Biology, College of Letters and Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
  • Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
  • School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
  • David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
  • Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
  • Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA.
  • School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.

Abstract

Objective

We evaluated provider sentiments and practices that influence recommendations for insulin pump use.

Methods

We surveyed US adult endocrinologists and used descriptive statistics to assess guideline adherence and criteria for insulin pump candidacy. Providers were categorized as permissive or selective prescribers based on reliance on criteria outside of clinical guidelines. Adjusted logistic regression identified factors associated with selective prescribing.

Results

In 2023, we emailed surveys to 5684 endocrinologists, and 299 (5%) responded. Criteria for insulin pump use varied across providers: carbohydrate counting (55%), a minimum number of daily glucose checks (51%), a minimum number of clinic visits (48%), continuous glucose monitor use (42%), a minimum duration after diagnosis (20%), and a specific A1c (8%). While 94% reported being aware of diabetes care guidelines, 52% almost never referenced guidelines when determining insulin pump candidacy. The majority reported relying on their own judgment about insulin pump candidacy when it conflicted with clinical guidelines. Selective prescribers were more likely to report using guidelines sometimes or more (vs not often/never), have a low proportion of diabetes in their clinical case mix, and see patients primarily with public insurance.

Conclusion

Less than half of endocrinologists referenced national guidelines for pump candidacy, with many relying on nonevidence-based criteria. These findings demonstrate an important disconnect between guideline recommendations and clinical practice that may lead to underutilization of insulin pumps, which can enhance diabetes care and outcomes. Additional work is needed to better align clinical practice with current recommendations.

MeSH

Diabetes Mellitus, Insulin, Endocrinologists, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1