Voices from Laos: navigating the transition from a twice daily to multiple daily insulin regimen in a resource-limited setting

Background Before 2016, no Laotian child was known to have survived type 1 diabetes (T1D) into adulthood. There is an ongoing need for action. Our study explored, in supported youth, the impact of transitioning from a twice to multiple daily injection (MDI) regimen on glycaemic control, and their views/perceptions around how the switch affected their T1D management/quality of life. Methods Data were obtained from medical records/semi-structured interviews; participants recruited as they switched to an MDI regimen. Quantitative data were stratified into glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 6/12 months before/after the switch, and male/female sex; associations examined using t-tests. Qualitative data were analysed using Gibb’s framework. Results Overall, 24 youth (62.5% female) changed regimens. Mean±SD HbA1c 6/12-month periods before the switch were 8.8±2.3% (73.0 mmol/mol)/8.3±2.2% (67.0 mmol/mol), respectively. In the same periods after the switch, HbA1c improved to 7.6±2.7% (60.0 mmol/mol)/7.7±2.1% (61.0 mmol/mol), respectively. No differences were observed between sexes. Interviews were conducted with 15 youth (73.3% female); mean ages at T1D diagnosis/the switch time were 10.6 and 14.3 years, respectively. Describing how transitioning to an MDI regimen affected T1D management/quality of life, three themes emerged: pragmatism; empowerment and agency; and foundations of success. Conclusions The study provides valuable insights that will guide future work in supporting youth with T1D.