Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Initiation Research Articles

Better Glycaemic Outcome, Low Levels of Acute Severe Complications, and High Patient Satisfaction in Routine Practice in Type 1 Diabetes Treated with an Insulin Pump

Treatment of patients with Type 1 diabetes with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was re-introduced in Denmark in this millennium and initiated in the diabetes clinic, Fredericia Hospital, in 2005. The aim of the present study was to present yearly data of quality from 2005 to 2013 from a clinical database of patients treated with CSII in routine practice. Methods: A database was established in 2009-2010. Data from 2005 to 2009 are retrospective, data from 2009 to 2013 prospective. From 2009, patient satisfaction was measured by validated questionnaires. Results: By 31 December 2013, the database contained data from 143 active patients. HbA1C (median and range) decreased from 64 (40 - 126) mmol/mol (8.0 (5.8 - 13.7)%) (n = 104) to 60 (36 - 98) mmol/mol (7.6 (5.4 - 11.1)%) (n = 134) (p < 0.001) before and latest year on CSII. The improved glycaemic control was maintained each year until ≥5 years after initiation of CSII (p < 0.01). There was no change in weight. The number of attacks of severe hypoglycaemia was reduced from 60 attacks in 21 patients (n = 104) the year before CSII to only 5 attacks in 5 patients in 2013 (n = 134) (p < 0.01), corresponding to an incidence of 3.7 episodes per 100 patient years. Each year after initiation of CSII until ≥5 years, the number of episodes of severe hypoglycaemia was reduced (p < 0.01). Since 2005, nine episodes of ketoacidosis have been registered in eight patients corresponding to an incidence of 1.4 episodes per 100 patient years. Patient satisfaction was high one year after initiation of CSII (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Change of treatment to CSII is accompanied by an improvement in glycaemic control, very pronounced reduction in severe hypoglycaemia, low levels of diabetic ketoacidosis, and pronounced patient satisfaction.

A 7-year follow-up retrospective, international, multicenter study of insulin pump therapy in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

We evaluated the long-term glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes, using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) for at least 5 years in three diabetes centers from three different countries: Canada, Italy and Spain. This was an observational retrospective multicenter cohort study. Subjects were included if they were followed at one of the participating centers, had type 1 diabetes, age 5-20 years at time of data collection and used CSII for more than 5 years. Data collected included gender, age, disease duration, age at CSII initiation, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin requirement and serious adverse events (SAE) at baseline and every 12 months during follow-up. One hundred fifteen patients were included in the study (55% males), aged 5-20 years (mean: 13.5 ± 3.8 years), with mean diabetes duration of 6.3 ± 3.4 years, using CSII for mean of 6.9 ± 1.2 years (range 5-12 years.). HbA1c significantly improved after 1 year of CSII treatment and during follow-up (p = 0.02). When HbA1c was compared between countries, a difference was observed, with slightly lower values in Italy than in Canada and Spain (p = 0.04). When evaluated by gender, HbA1c was similar at baseline, but significantly improved only in males during all follow-up (p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed for BMI, insulin requirement or SAE. Insulin pump therapy is safe and effective in the pediatric population, although in this study, the major benefit in HbA1c was seen in males. The use of advanced pump features was associated with greater improvement in HbA1c.

Vascular function and glucose variability improve transiently following initiation of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in children with type 1 diabetes

The effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and glucose variability on vascular health in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is not known. We aimed to determine whether initiation of CSII improves vascular function and reduces glucose variability, independent of changes in HbA1c. Twenty-two children with T1D (12.5 ± 2.9 yr) were reviewed immediately prior, 3 wk, and 12 months after initiation of CSII. Vascular function [flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), glyceryl trinitrate-mediated dilatation (GTN)], glucose variability [mean of daily differences (MODD), mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE) and continuous overlapping net glycaemic action (CONGA)], and clinical and biochemical data were measured at each visit. Results for the first two visits were compared to a previously studied cohort of 31 children with T1D who remained on multiple daily injections (MDI). FMD, GTN, blood pressure, HbA1c, fructosamine, and glucose variability significantly improved 3 wk after CSII commencement (all p < 0.05), but there was no change in the MDI control group. At 3 wk, vascular function related to glucose variability [(FMD: MODD, r = -0.62, p = 0.002) and (GTN: MAGE, r = -0.59, p = 0.004; CONGA-4, r = -0.51, p = 0.01; MODD, r = -0.62, p = 0.002)] but not to blood pressure, HbA1c, or fructosamine. At 12 months, FMD, GTN, blood pressure, and glucose variability returned to baseline levels, while HbA1c deteriorated. Carotid intima media thickness was unchanged over 12 months. Initiation of CSII rapidly improves vascular function in association with decreased glucose variability; however, the effects are not sustained with deterioration of metabolic control and glucose variability.

Benefits of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) Therapy in Preschool Children

The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in young children has increased considerably over recent years. The purpose was to examine the effectiveness and safety of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy in preschool children with T1DM. A retrospective chart review of 113 children diagnosed with T1DM while younger than age 6 years. Mean age at diagnosis was 3.5±1.5 years and mean duration of follow 9.7±7.0 years. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group1 initiated CSII therapy before the age of 6 years (n=26), Group 2 was treated with multiple daily injections (MDI) throughout follow-up (n=34), and Group 3 initiated CSII after age 6 (n=53). Metabolic control was assessed by HbA1C levels and safety by rates of severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) events. In Group 1, the highest mean HbA1C value (8.5%) was observed 1-2 years prior to CSII initiation. During the 5 year period following CSII initiation, mean HbA1C levels ranged between 7.4 and 8.0%. Throughout the entire follow-up period, mean HbA1C levels were lower for Group 1 than Group 2 (p=0.05). In Group 3, mean HbA1C level decreased from 8.7% pre-CSII to 8.3% post-CSII (p<0.001). Nevertheless HbA1C levels remained higher than for those who started pump therapy before age 6 (p=0.02). Our study demonstrated better metabolic control in pre-school children treated with CSII compared to those treated with MDI. This benefit sustained for 5 years after CSII initiation and was not accompanied by increased risk of severe hypoglycemia or DKA events.

Does the Timing of Insulin Pump Therapy Initiation After Type 1 Diabetes Onset Have an Impact on Glycemic Control?

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) mimics physiologic insulin release better than multiple daily injection (MDI) therapy and allows for greater flexibility in food intake and physical activity. Given these benefits, it raises the question "Is it required to wait to offer CSII to patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) only after MDI therapy has failed"? This study sought to determine if starting CSII in patients with T1D within 1 year of diagnosis results in better long-term glycemic control than starting it later. This retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary-care medical center. The charts of 488 patients with T1D (273 females) 2.6-39 years old (mean, 19.9 ± 7.7 years) who started CSII in 1998-2008 and used it for at least 1 year were reviewed for background, disease-related, and treatment-related variables. Study end points were glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, rate of severe hypoglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis events during CSII use. Findings were compared between patients who started CSII within 1 year of diagnosis (Group 1, n=93) or later (Group 2, n=395). Compared with Group 2, Group 1 patients were characterized by a significantly younger age at CSII initiation (10.7±5.7 vs. 16.4±7.0 years, P<0.001), more frequent blood glucose monitoring (5.4 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 1.5 times per day, P<0.001), and shorter total duration of diabetes (4.3 ± 2.1 vs. 11.9 ± 6.4 years, P<0.001) and of CSII therapy (3.6 ± 2.1 vs. 4.7 ± 2.5 years, P<0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in patient gender or ethnicity, indications for initiating CSII, mean HbA1c level, attainment of target HbA1c, or rates of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis events after CSII initiation. Starting pump therapy at an early disease stage has no added benefit for glycemic control over time than starting later. The timing of CSII initiation should be tailored to the individual patient by the diabetes care team.

The Impact of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) on Glycaemic Control: A Regional Review Using Mixed-Effects Modelling of 199 Patients

Background: The number of children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (TIDM) managed with CSII is increasing. Meta-analyses indicate that CSII leads to improved glycaemic control but most studies have included adults and are of short duration. We set out to establish the impact of CSII on HbA1c levels in young people in North-East England over a period longer than 12 months. Methods: Data was collected retrospectively from 7 centres. HbA1c levels were obtained for the 12 month period prior to CSII initiation and for a median of 28 months afterwards (range 12-52 months). Linear mixed effects modelling was used to assess the impact of CSII therapy, taking into account inter-individual and inter-centre variations. Results: Data from 199 patients was included (median age 12y, 56%males). There was a significant improvement in control on CSII with an initial HbA1c reduction of 0.040% per month (95% CI 0.015 to 0.064, p=0.0015). However, this effect wore off with time and HbA1c levels returned to pre-treatment values by 48 months. Age at CSII commencement and sex were not significant predictors of future HbA1c. There were significant differences between centres. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CSII is associated with an initial improvement in HbA1c that wanes with time. One possible explanation is the ‘Hawthorne’ phenomenon which links improvements in an observation to initiation of a new therapy rather than the therapy itself. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the factors that can predict sustained differences in outcomes between patients and between centres using this treatment modality.

Failure of glycated hemoglobin drop after continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion initiation may indicate patients who discontinue: a 4-year follow-up study in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is effective and safe in children and adults with type 1 diabetes. Notwithstanding, some patients decide to discontinue using CSII. We evaluated the discontinuation rate, and its related factors, in a large group of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using CSII in Italy. Data on all patients with type 1 diabetes younger than 18 years were collected by 28 Pediatric Diabetologic referral Centers located throughout Italy. The primary endpoint was to measure the discontinuation rate using CSII. Among the study population (n = 6,644), 985 (14.8%) were using CSII. Sixty patients discontinued using CSII, representing the 6.1%. The discontinuation rate significantly increased (P = 0.002) with age: 0-6 years, 1/84 (1.2%), 7-11 years, 8/262 (3.1%), 12-18 years, 51/579 (8.8%). The average time to discontinuation was 1.8 ± 1.4 years. The average age of patients who discontinued using CSII was higher than in patients still on CSII (12.1 ± 3.2 vs. 10.3 ± 3.8, P = 0.0001), while their diabetes duration was significantly shorter (8.6 ± 2.7 vs. 10.2 ± 3.7, P = 0.0001). HbA1c decreased only in patients still on CSII (8.7 ± 1.3% vs. 7.8 ± 1.3%, P = 0.02), but not in patients who discontinued using CSII (8.5 ± 1.6% vs. 8.2 ± 1.3%, P = 0.213). HbA1c might be one important indicator helpful to identify patients at higher risk discontinuing using CSII.

The role of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy in patients with diabetic gastroparesis

To describe the effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with symptomatic diabetic gastroparesis and unstable glycaemic control. Data from 26 patients with symptomatic diabetic gastroparesis and unstable glycaemic control using multiple-dose insulin (MDI) regimens, and subsequently managed with CSII, were analysed. Following initiation of CSII, the median length of inpatient bed days associated with hospital admissions related to gastroparesis and glycaemic instability was reduced from 8.5 (range 0-144) days patient( -1) year( -1) prior to CSII to 0 (range 0-15) days patient( -1) year( -1). The median HbA(1c) reduction with CSII was 1.8% (22 mmol/mol; p < 0.05). The median capillary blood glucose (CBG) with CSII was significantly lower than with MDI: 7.7 mmol/l (range 3.8-15.4 mmol/l) vs 9.8 mmol/l (range 2.3-27 mmol/l), respectively, p < 0.001. Glycaemic variability with CSII was significantly reduced compared with MDI: CBG CV 0.37 vs CV 0.53, respectively, p < 0.001. CSII therapy in patients with diabetic gastroparesis results in significant improvement in glycaemic control and reductions in glycaemic variability and number of hospital inpatient bed days.

Role of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (Insulin Pump) in Reducing Blood Glucose in Four Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Cirrhosis: A Case Series

Some people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cirrhosis tend to have fluctuating glucose values usually uncontrolled with conventional therapy. The aim of this case series was to retrospectively analyze the effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) on four patients with cirrhosis and poorly controlled T2DM. The four patients in this case series presented with chronic cirrhosis with no ascitis, preexisting T2DM, and inadequate blood glucose (BG) control with conventional insulin therapy. After initiation of CSII, patients' BG values were monitored at regular intervals, and basal and bolus doses were adjusted. Fasting BG, postprandial BG, and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values were monitored while the patient was in the hospital, upon discharge, and at one follow-up visit. The daily dose of insulin was reduced in three patients. Fasting and postprandial BG values returned to normal ranges for all four patients. HbA1c was reduced in all four patients and reduced to normal ranges in two patients. There were no recorded incidents of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or weight gain associated with the use of CSII. Initiation of CSII in patients with T2DM and cirrhosis was beneficial in controlling BG values in the four patients studied in this case series.

Predictors of glycaemic control in patients with Type 1 diabetes commencing continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy

To identify variables that predict glycaemic control in Type 1 diabetic patients switched to a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) regimen, in order to improve patient selection for this treatment. The notes of 421 Type 1 diabetic patients aged 2.6-39.8 years (median 19.4) who initiated CSII treatment in 1998-2007 and used it for > or = 1 year were reviewed. Details about their background and disease-related and treatment-related variables were recorded. At pump initiation, the mean age was 15.9 +/- 7.2 years, mean diabetes duration 6.4 +/- 5.8 years. Mean time of CSII use was 4.1 +/- 2.1 years. Good glycaemic control was defined by glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) stratified by age (American Diabetes Association target levels). Improvement in glycaemic control was defined as a reduction of > or = 0.5% in HbA(1c) from baseline. The change in the rate of severe hypoglycaemic or diabetic ketoacidosis events was also determined. There was a significant sustained decrease in HbA(1c) with CSII for an average of 6 years, without increased rates of hypoglycaemia. Achievement of target HbA(1c) was significantly associated with the following parameters at pump initiation: lower HbA(1c) (P < 0.001), younger age (< 12 years), shorter diabetes duration (P < 0.001) and more frequent daily self blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) (P < 0.01). Improved glycaemic control was associated with longer CSII use (P = 0.032) and higher HbA(1c) at CSII initiation (P < 0.001). Switching patients to CSII resulted in sustained decrease in HbA(1c) and improved glycaemic control in patients with high HbA(1c). Young age, frequent SBGM and lower HbA(1c) at pump initiation were identified as predictors of achieving glycaemic targets with CSII.

Insulin Pump Therapy Management in Very Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes Using Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

Compared to older children and adolescents very young patients with type 1 diabetes represent a unique population. We analyzed the age-dependent characteristics and parameters of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in children under 6 years of age with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated metabolic control and pump-dependent characteristics in 46 children with type 1 diabetes after 0.89 +/- 0.62 years of CSII. Metabolic control significantly improved after CSII initiation (glycosylated hemoglobin, 8.12 +/- 1.24% vs. 7.30 +/- 0.67%; P < 0.05), without increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis or hypoglycemia. Interestingly, very young patients required bigger boluses than expected, especially in the morning and at the afternoon snack. These data support the need to personalize pump-dependent characteristics, especially in very young children with type 1 diabetes, in order to optimize CSII therapy in this unique age group of patients.

Factors Associated with Adherence to Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion in Pediatric Diabetes

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is a safe and effective alternative to insulin injections in pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus. CSII can be associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in some patients. In our Center, patients/guardians are screened for proficiency in diabetes management skills as a prerequisite to initiation of CSII. We reviewed the clinical data from our patients to assess the predictors associated with nonadherence to CSII therapy. We retrospectively collected clinical data on all our CSII initiations between July 1999 to June 2003, including: body mass index, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total daily dose, bolus to basal insulin ratio, hypoglycemic episodes (blood glucose <60 mg/dL/week), mean fasting self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG), severity of lipohypertrophy, DKA, and pubertal status. Forty-six patients 9.90 +/- 3.4 years old (28 girls and 18 boys) started CSII in the 4-year period. While 39 patients (85%) 9.8 +/- 3.5 years old currently remain on CSII, seven patients (15%) 11.2 +/- 0.9 years old discontinued CSII. Fifteen patients (32.6%) were prepubertal at CSII initiation, and none discontinued CSII in this cohort, whereas seven of 31 (22.6%) pubertal patients discontinued CSII. The patients who continued CSII were similar to the CSII-discontinued cohort at baseline. At 12 months, rising HbA1c was the only predictor of future nonadherence to CSII. At 24 months, the discontinuation group had higher mean fasting SMBG levels and severe lipohypertrophy (P < 0.05). None of the prepubertal patients discontinued CSII, while all seven patients (100%) in the CSII-discontinued group were pubertal (P < 0.001). Extensive screening by a multidisciplinary diabetes team prior to initiation of CSII regimen results in relatively lower discontinuation rates and a higher chance of maintaining optimal glycemic control (HbA1C < 8%) compared to previous studies.

A randomized prospective study of insulin pump vs. insulin injection therapy in very young children with type 1 diabetes: 12-month glycemic, BMI, and neurocognitive outcomes

To compare glycemic control, body mass index (BMI), neurocognitive function, and parenting stress for preschool-aged diabetic children randomized to treatment either with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or with intensive insulin injection therapy (IIT). Children <5 yr of age diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus for at least 12 months were randomized to either CSII (n = 21) or IIT (n = 21) for 6 months. After 6 months, the IIT group began CSII therapy and the CSII group continued on pumps. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and BMI percent were collected at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Neurocognitive assessments (Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration and Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale: Fourth Edition) were administered to children, and parenting and child behavior assessments (Parenting Stress Index and Child Behavior Checklist) were completed by parents and at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Thirty-five children completed the study. Mean HbA1c decreased significantly over the study period (8.9% +/- 0.6 vs. 8.5% +/- 0.7, p = 0.006). Initiation of CSII resulted in an HbA1c decrease of 0.4% after 3 months (p = 0.002); however, in the CSII first group, the HbA1c at 12 months was not significantly different from study start (8.8% +/- 0.6 vs. 8.5% +/- 0.6; p = 0.4). There were no significant changes in BMI%, neurocognitive, parenting, and child behavior measures between groups. Initiation of CSII vs. continuing IIT does not significantly influence HbA1c, BMI, neurocognitive, or parenting stress parameters in a research study setting.

Insulin-pump use in everyday practice: Data from an exhaustive regional registry in France

Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) under real-life conditions among all patients treated with CSII in the south of Paris. Methods The 42 diabetologists practising in the region enrolled all patients treated with CSII or admitted for CSII initiation. During the study visit, the data for pump use and clinical results were recorded. Results Data were obtained for 424 patients, mean age 44.2 ± 15.6 years, disease duration 18.7 ± 10.6 years, including 339 treated with CSII for longer than three months (mean duration: 3.5 ± 3.5 years; range: 3–258 months). Most of the patients ( N = 285, 84.8%) had type 1 diabetes; 44 (13.1%) had type 2 diabetes. In patients treated for more than three months, HbA 1c decreased significantly between CSII initiation (9.1 ± 1.9%) and the study visit (7.8 ± 1.4%; P < 0.0001). Patients with HbA 1c > 9%, using the pump, experienced a significant 0.9% improvement in their HbA 1c levels with CSII versus multiple daily injections ( P = 0.001). The number of episodes of moderate hypoglycaemia was 2.7 ± 2.5 per patient per week; of severe hypoglycaemia, 0.34 per patient per year and of ketoacidosis, 0.11 per patient per year. Factors significantly associated with HbA 1c levels included amount of physical activity, pregnancy, HbA 1c at CSII initiation and number of glucose self-determinations. Those associated with the number of moderate hypoglycaemia episodes were basal rate number, female gender and HbA 1c level. HbA 1c was negatively correlated with moderate hypoglycaemia ( P < 0.001), but not with severe hypoglycaemia. Conclusion This ‘pump’ registry establishes the effectiveness of CSII in everyday practice, yet underscores the risks of severe hypoglycaemia and ketosis episodes. It could help diabetologists to improve patient training programmes and follow-up.

Changes in glycemic control and quality of life in pediatric type 1 diabetics with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion of insulin aspart following multiple daily injection therapy.

The efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) of the rapid-acting insulin analogue, insulin aspart, was evaluated in 26 patients with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes aged between 6 and 18 yr who had been on basal-bolus therapy (multiple daily injection (MDI) of regular human insulin or rapid-acting insulin and intermediate/long-acting insulin). The glycemic control in the patients was evaluated based on changes in the clinical parameters and the patient quality of life (QOL) was evaluated by using the insulin therapy-related QOL questionnaire. Twenty two patients continued CSII during the 6-mo study period. The mean HbA1c was 7.8 ± 1.8% at baseline and it decreased to 7.4 ± 0.8% at 6 mo after the start of the CSII. Overall, no decrease of the QOL post-CSII initiation was noted. The possible superiority of CSII as compared to MDI was suggested for patients who “eat out” or “have to look for an appropriate place for insulin injection.” Aside from an inadequate indwelling needle placement detected after the initiation of CSII in several patients, no adverse event associated with NovoRapid® was seen. In conclusion, CSII of rapid-acting insulin appears to be a useful therapy for patients with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.

Comparison of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily injections (MDI) in paediatric Type 1 diabetes: a multicentre matched‐pair cohort analysis over 3 years

To conduct a multicentre, matched-pair cohort analysis comparing glycaemic control and adverse events of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with multiple daily injections (MDI) in paediatric patients. Using standardized computer-based prospective documentation, HbA(1c), insulin dose, body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), rate of hypoglycaemia, rate of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and intensity of care were analysed in 434 matched pairs during a follow-up period of 3 years after initiation of MDI or CSII. HbA(1c) was significantly lower in the CSII group during the first year of new regimen (CSII 7.5 +/- 0.05 vs. MDI 7.7 +/- 0.06; P < 0.05), but rose to the same level as in the MDI group during year 3. Insulin requirement remained significantly lower in the CSII group. The BMI-SDS increased in both study groups, with no significant difference. The rate of severe hypoglycaemia decreased significantly after the change of regimen (CSII 17.87 +/- 2.85 vs. MDI 25.14 +/- 3.79; P < 0.05) and during year 3 of the regimen, particularly when compared with baseline (-21% vs. -16%). The rate of DKA was lower at baseline in the CSII group and remained significantly lower over all 3 years. Intensity of care was the same in both subsets. Employing a large cohort, this matched-pair analysis has demonstrated over a 3-year study period that CSII is a safe form of intensive insulin therapy with similar glycaemic effects, but with significantly reduced rates of hypoglycaemia and DKA and a lower insulin requirement when compared with MDI.

Factors Correlating With Improved A1C in Children Using Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial demonstrated that tight metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes reduces the risk of microvascular complications (1). Subsequently, the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) to achieve strict metabolic control increased exponentially. The advantages of CSII over multiple daily injections include increased lifestyle flexibility, variable basal infusion rates with boluses given before meals, and only one injection for insulin administration every few days (2). CSII in children lowers A1C and decreases hypoglycemia (3,4). The American Diabetes Association recommended A1C treatment goals for pediatric patients of 7.5–8.5% for those aged <6 years, ≤8% for those aged 6–12 years, <7.5% for those aged 13–19 years, and <7% for those aged 19–22 years (5), but few children and adolescents reach these goals. The reason for this remains unclear. We conducted this study to determine the percentage of children using CSII who reached their A1C goal and to identify differences between children who met their goal and those who did not. Medical records of all patients (aged 2–22 years, n = 236) with type 1 diabetes for ≥1 year using CSII for ≥6 months who were followed at the University of Wisconsin pediatric diabetes clinic were reviewed. Data from the time of initiation of CSII were analyzed. Age, duration of diabetes, …

Carbohydrate Counting vs. Sliding Scale for Insulin Dosage Estimation

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To determine if there is a difference in outcome in patients with type 1 diabetes who use different methods to estimate insulin dosage: sliding scale or carbohydrate counting. METHODS This study assessed patients who initiated continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and used either sliding scale (n=81) or carbohydrate counting (n=44) methodology to determine bolus insulin dosages. Groups were compared in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), weight, frequency of hypoglycemia and insulin requirement at CSII initiation and follow-up. Within-person changes in a subgroup that started out using the sliding scale method and then crossed over to carbohydrate counting (n=21) were also evaluated. RESULTS At baseline, only A1C differed significantly (p CONCLUSION With only the sliding scale method showing a significant decrease in A1C, carbohydrate counting does not appear to be superior for insulin dosage estimation in patients using CSII.

Insulin pump use in young adolescents with type 1 diabetes: a descriptive study

There is little research on psychosocial factors and insulin pump use in adolescents. The purpose of the present study was to use qualitative and quantitative methods to explore psychosocial issues related to insulin pump use [continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII)] in youth. Eighteen early adolescents and their parents were interviewed about the experience of using an insulin pump, and transcripts were content-analyzed. In general, interviewees reported modest improvements in glycemic control with initiation of CSII. Teens and parents did, however, report high levels of satisfaction with pump therapy and increased adolescent responsibility for the diabetes regimen. In addition, pump users reported few issues related to body image, appearance, or social aspects of pump dependency. Chief concerns were related to the demands of initiating pump therapy, pump alarms and malfunctions, potential for regimen non-compliance with CSII, and school-related issues. Pump use is not associated with social difficulties, and, in general, youths and their parents report high satisfaction with CSII.

Persistence of Benefits of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion in Very Young Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Follow-up Report

Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) has increased dramatically in recent years, and pump therapy has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to multiple daily injections in adults and older pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Its use in very young children, however, has been limited, although this group might be expected to benefit the most from CSII. The objective of this study was to analyze the CSII efficacy and safety data in very young children with type 1 diabetes from our Diabetes Clinic database. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), severe hypoglycemia (SH), and ketoacidosis (DKA) in the year before CSII were compared with corresponding values during pump treatment in all children who started CSII before age 7. Sixty-five children (mean age: 4.5 y at CSII initiation; range: 1.4-6.9 years; 28 girls; 3 black, 1 Hispanic) were analyzed for >162 patient-years of follow-up. Mean HbA(1c) (7.4 +/- 1.0 prepump) decreased to 7.0 +/- 0.9 after 12 months of CSII and continued to improve even after 4 years on CSII. The rate of SH was reduced by 53% (from 78 to 37/100 patient-years). Children who received daytime care from paid caregivers (n = 26) experienced significant reductions in HbA1c and hypoglycemia frequency. There were no episodes of DKA requiring emergency treatment in the year before CSII and 4 episodes (4 per 100 patient-years) after transition to pump. CSII is a durable and effective means of optimizing glycemic control in very young patients with type 1 diabetes and may be superior to multiple daily injections in minimizing the risk of severe hypoglycemia in this age group. Employment of paid caregivers does not preclude safe and effective use of CSII.