Want to TANGO? Clinical Trial Enrolling People with Type 1 and Over Age 65

By Rhea Teng

A trial in Boston is enrolling 168 individuals ages 65 years and older with type 1 diabetes to investigate the combination of CGM and education to reduce hypoglycemia

Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT03078491

Trial name: Technological Advances in Glucose Management in Older Adults (TANGO)

Diabetes type: Type 1

What the trial is testing: This trial will evaluate whether a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) supported with additional educational materials will reduce hypoglycemia (blood sugar less than 70 mg/dl) in people with type 1 diabetes age 65 and older. Study participants will receive a CGM, a tablet-based Diabetes Management Platform (DMP), an activity meter, and a Bluetooth-enabled insulin pen. The DMP will come pre-loaded with education materials and weblinks to online education and surveys.

What the trial is measuring: Changes in time spent in hypoglycemia, severe hypoglycemia, fasting and bedtime blood sugars, change in A1C, and barriers to CGM use.

Why is this new/important? Hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemia are more common in people with type 1 diabetes who are over 65. While CGM has been shown to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in adults with type 1 diabetes, few studies have focused specifically on CGM in older adults. This trial seeks to identify the age-specific barriers related to using CGM and assess the benefits of additional education.

Trial length: Six months

Trial locations: Trial visits will take place at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston.. The study is comprised of 6-8 visits in total (both virtual and at the Joslin Diabetes Center).

Select eligibility criteria include:

• 65 years of age or older

• Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

• On multiple insulin injections (3 or more injections/day) or insulin pump

• Cannot have used CGM in the past two years

See all eligibility requirements here.

Where to get more information: Contact Christine Slyne at 617-309-4683 or email her at christine.slyne@joslin.harvard.edu.