A Decade of Progress: How Technology Is Helping People with Type 1 Diabetes Reach Better Blood Sugar Control

Researchers in Belgium followed people with Type 1 diabetes through three periods: 2010–2011, 2017–2018, and 2023–2024. They looked at how their average blood sugar control changed as new technologies became more available and widely used. The goal was to understand whether better tools actually led to better real-world outcomes for the people using them.

The study included adults, children, and adolescents all receiving care within Belgium's structured diabetes program, where insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and other technologies are fully covered. This gives a clear picture of what happens when access barriers are removed.

Among adults, average HbA1c—a measure of blood sugar control over three months—dropped from 7.9% to 7.5%. More importantly, the proportion of adults hitting their target of less than 7% nearly doubled, rising from 22.3% to 35.1%.

Children and adolescents also saw gains. Their average HbA1c fell from 8.0% to 7.6%, and the percentage reaching target more than increased, rising from 19.7% to 33.1%.

By 2023–2024, nearly all study participants (over 90%) were using continuous glucose monitors. Insulin pump use reached 25% in adults and 47% in younger people. These tools give real-time glucose readings and, in the case of pumps, more precise insulin delivery.

Adults using hybrid closed-loop therapy—a system that automatically adjusts insulin based on glucose readings—had the best outcomes. Their average HbA1c was 7.0%, they spent 73% of their time in their target blood sugar range, and they spent only 1.5% of time too low. These results were significantly better than other technology combinations.

The study also tracked cholesterol and blood pressure. LDL cholesterol (the 'bad' cholesterol linked to heart disease) improved substantially. The percentage of people reaching the recommended target more than doubled, rising from 18.3% to 37.4%. For people with a history of heart disease, the improvement was even greater—from 15.5% to 46.5%.

These broader health improvements matter because people with Type 1 diabetes face higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease. Better blood sugar control, combined with improvements in cholesterol management, helps lower that risk.

This study shows that when people have access to modern diabetes technology—continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, and especially hybrid closed-loop systems—their health improves measurably. The 14-year timespan demonstrates that these improvements are sustained, not just short-term gains.

The data underscores why access to these tools matters. In a healthcare system where technology is covered and integrated into standard care, people with Type 1 diabetes reach better outcomes and spend less time in dangerous blood sugar ranges. The findings suggest that removing cost barriers and supporting technology use can lead to real, meaningful improvements in daily life and long-term health.

Source: Diabetes technology & therapeutics. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.