Antonio Nicolucci, Maria Chiara Rossi, Valentino Cherubini, Diario Iafusco, Fabio Pellegrini and Paolo Di Bartolo
Background: Optimal metabolic control and compliance to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) are poor in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and may require innovative management strategies. These may include the use of telemedicine and smartphone-linked blood glucose self-monitoring systems. To this purpose, a specific glucose meter (iBGStar™) and a dedicated Diabetes Manager Application (DMApp) have been developed. Aim of the study is to demonstrate the superiority of a smartphone-linked versus a traditional self-monitoring system in reducing HbA1c levels and improving compliance to SMBG. Methods/Design: The “i-NewTrend” study is an open-label, randomized (1:1) trial involving 21 diabetes outpatient clinics in Italy. Overall, 178 subjects aged 14–24 years with type 1 diabetes, with any diabetes duration, HbA1c ≥8%, treated with basal-bolus insulin regimen, and with poor compliance with SMBG will be randomized to two different SMBG strategies: Group A will use iBGStar™+ DMApp and Group B (control group) will use a traditional meter for SMBG during a 6-month follow-up (experimental phase). Between-group differences on metabolic control, compliance to SMBG, insulin doses, quality of life, risk of hypoglicaemic episodes and number and type of contacts with diabetes clinics will be evaluated. During a 6 month post-trial observational phase, all randomized patients in group A and B will use iBGStar™ + DMApp to evaluate the impact of the system on all the outcomes when the system is used under routine clinical practice conditions. Discussion: Results of the trial iNew Trend will assess whether and to what extent this new strategy of SMBG based on the use of iBGStar™ + DMApp will improve the management of type 1 diabetes in adolescents and young adults poorly controlled and poorly compliant, both in experimental and usual care settings.