Real-world efficacy and safety of open-source automated insulin delivery for people with type 1 diabetes mellitus: Experience from mainland China

Background: Open-source automated insulin delivery systems are increasingly adopted yet predominantly discussed outside of Asia. This study aimed to describe efficacy and safety of android artificial pancreas (AAPS) in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) from mainland China.

Methods: This real-world study recruited people who initiated AAPS for ≥ 3 months between 2019 and 2024. Key outcomes included glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and metrics from continuous glucose monitoring, rates of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hypoglycemia.

Findings: 292 (male, 46·9 %) participants aged 25·7 (14·7, 35·0) years were included, with 183 (62·7 %) and 68 (23·3 %) using AAPS for 6 and 12 months. Prior-AAPS HbA1c was 7·6 ± 1·7 % with 44·5 % achieving < 7·0 %. After 3 months, mean HbA1c improved by -1·5 ± 2·0 % to 6·3 ± 0·8 % (P < 0.01), with 82·9 % achieving < 7.0 %. Time in range 3·9-10·0 mmol/L (TIR) improved to 78·8 ± 12·9 %, with 80·5 % achieving > 70 %, followed by time below 3·9 mmol/L of 3·9 (2·1, 6·1) %. After 12 months, HbA1c and TIR remained similar at 6·4 ± 1·0 % and 77·9 ± 12·2 %. No DKA and severe hypoglycemia was observed.

Interpretation: Real-world data from mainland China highlights current uptake of open-source AAPS with potential glycemic benefits. No safety signals are seen. More support to enhance access and utilization of all AID systems in this region is warranted.