Who is eligible to be part of this study?

The study focuses on people with Type 1 diabetes aged 2 and older who are seen at one of the participating diabetes clinics. It specifically aims to include Black and Hispanic patients who are currently underrepresented in advanced diabetes technology use.

Will this study change how my doctor treats me right now?

Only patients at the 7 intervention clinics will be directly affected during the study. However, if the approach proves successful, it could be adopted by diabetes clinics nationwide, potentially changing how all patients are offered diabetes technology in the future.

What diabetes technologies does this study focus on?

The study focuses on continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which track blood sugar levels around the clock, and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems, which automatically adjust insulin doses. Both have been shown to improve blood sugar control and quality of life.

Closing the Racial Gap in Diabetes Technology Access

Key takeaways

✓Targets a real and documented gap: Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive advanced diabetes technology despite equal potential benefit
✓Uses existing doctor computer systems to prompt fair prescribing — no extra burden on patients
✓Large study with ~18,000 participants across multiple clinics increases reliability of results

Quick specs

Journal	JMIR research protocols
Year	2025
PMID	40434817

What This Study Is About

Modern diabetes technology — like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery systems — can dramatically improve life for people with Type 1 diabetes. But not everyone gets equal access to these tools. Studies show that Black and Hispanic patients are less likely to be prescribed these devices, even when they could benefit just as much as anyone else.

The Solution Being Tested

Researchers are developing a Best Practice Advisory (BPA) — essentially a smart reminder built into doctors' computer systems (electronic medical records). When a doctor sees a patient with Type 1 diabetes, this alert will prompt them to consider prescribing advanced diabetes technology if the patient isn't already using it. The goal is to make sure every eligible patient gets offered these tools, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

How the Study Works

The study runs in two phases:

Phase 1: Researchers will hold focus groups and surveys with doctors, nurses, patients, and caregivers to design the best possible alert system.
Phase 2: The BPA will be launched at 7 diabetes clinics across the US. About 3,000 Black and Hispanic patients at these clinics will be compared to 15,000 similar patients at clinics without the alert, to see if the tool increases technology use.

What Researchers Will Measure

The study will track whether more patients start using or upgrade their diabetes technology after the alert is introduced. It will also look at blood sugar control (HbA1c), dangerous low blood sugar episodes, and hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Timeline

The study started in July 2024 and is expected to finish by May 2027. Results could shape how diabetes clinics across the country approach fair prescribing for years to come.

Why This Matters for Patients

If successful, this approach could be rolled out nationwide — helping ensure that every person with Type 1 diabetes has a fair chance to benefit from life-changing technology, no matter their background.

References & Sources

Frequently asked questions

A BPA is an automatic reminder that pops up in a doctor's computer system during a patient visit. In this study, it reminds doctors to consider prescribing advanced diabetes technology — like CGMs or insulin pumps — to patients who aren't using them yet, helping ensure no one is overlooked.

Editorial note

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diabetes management. Last reviewed: July 16, 2026 by the MDS Diabetes editorial team.

What to do next

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New Tool Aims to Close Racial Gap in Diabetes Tech Access