Greg Forlenza, MD, discusses CLVer trial among newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients

Greg Forlenza, MD, a pediatric endocrinologist at the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado, recently discussed findings from the CLVer (NCT04233034) study, which evaluated the use of advanced diabetes technology in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes.

“Our goal in that study was to see if really intensive blood sugar control at diagnosis would preserve the cells that make insulin,” Forlenza explained. “And we found that it did not, which is not what we were aiming to find, but it is a finding.”

Despite not achieving the intended outcome, the study revealed critical insights into the effectiveness of next-generation diabetes management systems.

The CLVer study utilized the MiniMed 780G and Tandem Control-IQ insulin pumps. Forlenza highlighted the significant results achieved by using these technologies early in the disease process.

“We were able to achieve over 80% of blood sugar time in target range during the first year after diagnosis,” he said. Historically, individuals with type 1 diabetes spent approximately 50% of their time with blood sugar levels in the target range, with newer tools increasing that percentage to around 65%, said Forlenza.

“We believe that is a tremendous benefit, just for the common reasons that having your blood sugar in range is better than not,” he added.

“It gets to something that we want to study more, which is the psychological benefit of families being able to say, 'this is, for me, I can do this,'” Forlenza said. “'80% time and range is my normal, and I’m able to do that.' That is something that I want all kids to be able to achieve."

The CLVer (NCT04233034) study underscores the importance of integrating advanced diabetes technologies early in treatment, offering improved glycemic control and enhancing quality of life for children and their families.

“The kids doing well and being successful and being happy with their therapy was very positive. And so that, to me, was a worthwhile reason for doing the study," said Forlenza.

Reference:

McVean J, Forlenza GP, Beck RW, et al. CLVer Study Group. Effect of Tight Glycemic Control on Pancreatic Beta Cell Function in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2023 Mar 28;329(12):980-989. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.2063. PMID: 36826834; PMCID: PMC9960023.