Fake Carbs Practice With AID System - MiniMed 780G in Children and Adolescents With T1D.

Overview

Hybrid Closed Loop (HCL) systems, such as the MiniMed 780G, have significantly improved glycemic outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) management. The MiniMed 780G, an Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL) system, features autocorrection boluses and unique insulin adjustment technologies. While effective, the system requires user input for meal announcements. Some individuals attempt to "trick" the system by entering "fake carbs" to prompt additional insulin corrections. However, clinical evidence suggests this practice does not improve glycemic outcomes. This study, conducted in Athens, Greece, will involve 40 children and adolescents (ages 7-18) with Type 1 Diabetes who have been using the MiniMed 780G system for over 6 months. The open-label, crossover design explores the impact of 'fake carbohydrates' on glycemic control. Participants will be split into two groups: one starts with 'fake carbohydrates' and then stops, while the other does the reverse. Over two weeks, their glycemic outcomes will be monitored and compared, with exclusions for severe diabetes complications or serious diabetic events This study hypothesizes that using "fake carbs" does not enhance glycemic control. Findings are expected to provide evidence-based insights to optimize diabetes management and improve clinical guidance for HCL system users.

Aim of the Study To compare glycemic control outcomes in individuals with T1D using the MiniMed™ 780G system during periods when 'fake carbohydrates' are used versus periods when this strategy is not employed. Definition: Fake Carbohydrates As a Fake Carbs practice is defined the practice when the user enters fake quantity of carbohydrates in order to trigger the system to suggest and deliver a bolus insulin with the aim to correct hyperglycemia. Study Design and Participants This is a prospective, open-label, randomized, crossover trial conducted at the Diabetes Center of the General Hospital "P. \& A. Kyriakou" in Athens, Greece. Sample Size * Total Participants: 40 children and adolescents * Age Range: 7-18 years Inclusion Criteria * Diagnosis of T1D * Using the MiniMed™ 780G system for ≥6 months * Habitual use of fake carbohydrates in daily management Exclusion Criteria * Severe diabetes-related complications * Recent episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe hypoglycemia Randomization and Group Allocation Participants will be randomized into two groups based on their prior use of fake carbohydrates: Group 1 (FC1): Continue using fake carbohydrates for 2 weeks, followed by discontinuation for 2 weeks. Group 2 (FC2): Discontinue use of fake carbohydrates for 2 weeks, followed by resumption for 2 weeks. Each intervention phase will be preceded by a 2-week run-in period to allow algorithm adaptation. A 2-week washout period between crossover phases will follow the same adaptation rationale. Baseline and Ongoing Assessments * Clinical and Demographic Data * Age, sex, T1D duration, weight, height * HbA1c measured via HPLC (Menarini) on a single analyzer All data retrieved from hospital electronic medical records MiniMed™ 780G System Data Review of pump settings during run-in phase Settings optimized using: * Target glucose: 100 mg/dL * Active Insulin Time: 2 hours Fake Carbohydrates Logbook Participants will maintain a log recording: * Time, amount, and context of fake carbohydrate entries * Real meals and blood glucose levels * Any episodes of hypoglycemia following fake CHO entries Outcome Measures * Primary Outcome Time in Range (TIR 70-180 mg/dL) over each 2-week intervention phase * Secondary Outcomes Time below range (\<70 mg/dL) and time above range (\>180 mg/dL) Total daily insulin dose Frequency and severity of hypoglycemia System usage data (auto-mode %, correction boluses) Number and frequency of meal and fake CHO entries Adverse events (e.g., severe hypoglycemia, DKA) Data Collection Tools CareLink™ Software: Used for glycemic data at baseline, week 2, and week 4 Participant logbooks for qualitative assessment of FC practices Data Analysis Within-subject comparisons will be conducted due to crossover design Descriptive statistics for demographic and baseline characteristics Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for primary and secondary outcomes Repeated-measures ANOVA for longitudinal outcomes Expected Impact This study will provide the first structured evaluation of the widely used but clinically unverified practice of entering 'fake carbohydrates' in AHCL systems. It will inform clinicians on whether this strategy improves or undermines glycemic control and support evidence-based recommendations for pump users and healthcare providers.