Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Initiation Research Articles

Assessment of insulin dose changes in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus starting on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

ObjectiveTo assess change in total daily dose (TDD) of insulin following a switch from subcutaneous (SC) injections to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Secondary objectives were to determine the change in %basal insulin, insulin to carbohydrate (I:C) ratios, insulin sensitivity factor (ISF), and HbA1c/IDAA1c. MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients < 18 years of age who transitioned from SC to CSII at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) between January 2019 and March 2022. ResultsThere was an increase of 0.04 units/kg/day in TDD from baseline vs 1–3 months later (p = 0.04, 95 % confidence interval (CI) [0.002, 0.072]). When stratified by age, a similar increase in TDD was observed in age 5–12 years only (p = 0.05, 95 % CI [0.0006, 0.8236]). There was a decrease in overall %basal insulin by 3 (44 % of TDD at baseline vs 41 % of TDD on CSII). (p = 0.02, 95 % CI [−5.5, −0.4]). No strengthening was seen in I:C ratios from baseline vs 1–3 months later. There was a significant strengthening of I:C ratios at all meals in the basal bolus group from 1–3 weeks to 1–3 months post-CSII; overall strengthening of ISF at both time points; and an overall HbA1c decrease −0.30 (p < 0.0001, CI [−0.45, −0.15]). Each extra year with diabetes was associated with a decrease in HbA1c by 0.07 % (p = 0.006). ConclusionsTDD of insulin was not found to be decreased post CSII initiation and patient characteristics should be considered when changing from SC to CSII. HbA1c was significantly improved post CSII.

Efficacy and Safety of Insulin Pump Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump represents a treatment option that can aid in achieving an important goal to reduce the most frequent complications associated with treatment; hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes, which have also a great impact on life quality of patients. This study was conducted to report the effect and safety of insulin pump therapy on glycemic control, hypoglycemia and diabetic ketosis (DKA) rates in Libyan type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients. A descriptive and retrospective study which included patients treated and followed up at Tripoli University Hospital. Fifty-seven T1D patients used CSII pump enrolled in this study. Assessment of hypoglycemia, DKA, measuring the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) values at time of diagnosis (prior to CSII) and at time of study conduction. Mean age was 12.72 year ± 3.8 SD. Mean duration of diabetes was 7.28 years ± 3.9 SD. The baseline mean HbA1c was 8.58 ± 1.73% during Multiple Daily Injections (MDI) at pre-pump and 7.76 ± 1.33% post initiation of CSII (p = 0.001), with higher proportion of patient’s post-pump treated had good metabolic control with HbA1c compared to pre-pump infusion 23, 40.4% and 16, 28.1%, respectively. Both the incidence of ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemic episodes was improved compared with MDI pre-pump significantly during CSII (P&lt;0.001). This study supports that CSII is an effective alternative in managing T1DM. In addition, therapy with insulin pump in children with diabetes is very efficient and safe with obvious reduction of HbA1c and significantly diminished rates of DKA and hypoglycemia.

Three-variate trajectories of metabolic control, body mass index, and insulin dose: Heterogeneous response to initiation of pump therapy in youth with type 1 diabetes.

ObjectiveContinuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in youths with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is often associated with lower HbA1c, lower total daily insulin dose (TDD), and lower body mass index (BMI) compared with multiple daily injections (MDI). Individual responses to CSII are diverse. The aim was to identify unique three‐variate patterns of HbA1c, BMI standard deviation score (SDS), and TDD after switching to CSII.MethodsFive thousand one hundred and thirty‐three youths (≤20 years; 48% boys; median age at pump start 12.5 years) with T1D duration ≥3 years at CSII initiation were selected from the multicenter DPV registry. We applied group‐based multitrajectory modeling to identify groups of individuals following similar trajectories. Measurements were aggregated quarterly during a 3‐year follow‐up period. Trajectory variables were changes of HbA1c, BMI‐SDS, and TDD from baseline (delta = quarterly aggregated values at each time point [i] minus the respective baseline value).ResultsFour groups of diverging Delta‐HbA1c, Delta‐BMI‐SDS, and Delta‐TDD patterns were identified. All showed improvements in HbA1c during the first 3 months. Group 1 (12%) was characterized by modest HbA1c increase thereafter, TDD reduction, and stable BMI‐SDS. In Group 2 (39%), increasing HbA1c, decreasing BMI‐SDS, and stable TDD were found. By contrast, sustainably improved HbA1c, increasing BMI‐SDS, and stable TDD were observed in Group 3 (32%). Group 4 (17%) was characterized by increasing levels for HbA1c, BMI‐SDS, and TDD. Between‐group differences in baseline HbA1c, BMI‐SDS, TDD as well as in sex ratio, age at diabetes onset and at pump start were observed.ConclusionsDefinite trajectories of glycemic control, BMI, and TDD over 3 years after CSII initiation were identified in youths with T1D allowing a more personalized treatment recommendation.

The choice of the insulin basal rate regimen at initiation of insulin pump therapy in routine clinical practice

Background: Numbers of patients with diabetes mellitus using insulin pumps have been increasing every year. Successful achievement of glycemic targets with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is based on an adequate basal rate of infusion, carbohydrate coefficient and insulin sensitivity index. There are two approaches to basal insulin infusion rate, namely the flat one and the circadian; however, at present there is no convincing data on which one should be chosen at the start of insulin pump therapy.Aim: To compare two regimens of basal insulin infusion rate at initiation of insulin pump therapy in routine clinical practice.Materials and methods: We analyzed data from 120 patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, who were switched on insulin pump therapy in the Department of Endocrinology from 2017 to 2018. At initiation of CSII, 60 patients used the flat basal rate profile and the other 60 patients used the circadian basal rate, calculated with the Renner's scale. Safety of the two basal rate regimens was assessed based on glucose variability measured with continuous glucose monitoring during the first two days after the start of insulin pump therapy.Results: Mean (± SD) coefficients of variation in the groups with circadian and flat basal rate at Day 1 were 31.06±12.13 and 32.74±10.7, respectively (p=0.423); at Day 2, 26.78±11.27 and 28.83±10.7 (p=0.309). Median [Q1; Q3] areas under glucose curve (AUC) values above the glucose targets in the groups with circadian and flat basal rate at Day 1 were 0.37 [0.03; 0.89] and 0.48 [0.08; 1.75], respectively, at Day 2 0.44 [0.03; 1.57] and 0.31 [0.1; 1.5], respectively (p&gt;0.05). Median glucose AUC values below the goal in groups with circadian basal rate and flat basal rate on the first day were 0.01 [0; 0.06] and 0.02 [0; 0.1], respectively (p=0.855), on the second day – 0.00 [0; 0.01] and 0.00 [0; 0.02], respectively (р=0.085). We also haven’t found any between-group differences in the prevalence of glucose deviations below and above the target, as well as in the time spent in normoglycaemia.Conclusion: The comparative analysis of two basal insulin rate regimens in Type 1 diabetic patients switched to insulin pump therapy has shown no significant differences between them. The use of Renner’s scale has no clinical advantages over the fixed basal insulin regimen at initiation of insulin pump therapy in adults.

Effects of Treatment With Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion on Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Glycocalyx Compared to MDI Intensification in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes: Improvement After a Six-Month Pump Treatment

Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) present signs of atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction earlier compared to healthy individuals. The evidence regarding the efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in vascular function in T1DM are scarce. The aim of this study is to determine whether insulin intensification with CSII improves arterial stiffness and endothelial function in T1DM compared to multiple daily insulin (MDI) injections. Thirty patients with T1DM were included in our study. Fifteen patients with poor glycemic control were transitioned from MDI to CSII and were reviewed immediately prior (baseline) and six months after the initiation of CSII. Fifteen patients, matched for sex, age and glycemic control, remained on intensified treatment with MDI (control group). In all patients at each visit we measure a) Carotid-femoral PWV b) central systolic blood pressure (cSBP) c) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial microvessels. Both groups had similar cardiovascular markers and HbA1c at baseline (p>0.05). After a six month treatment period, patients on CSII improved HbA1c (7.9±1.5% vs 7.35±0.7%, p<0.05), PBR (2.1±0.2 vs. 2±0.2 μm, p<0.05), PWV (7.5±0.3 vs. 7.4±1.1m/s, p<0,05) and cSBP (114.6±12.5 vs. 112±5.4 mmHg, p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in PBR (2±0.3 vs. 2±0.3 μm, p>0.05), PWV (8±2.3 vs. 8±1.9m/s, p>0.05) and cSBP (115±15.2 vs. 115.7±15.4 mmHg, p>0.05) in patients who remained on MDI, despite improvement of HbA1c (8±1.1% vs 7.36±0.8%, p<0.05). The use of CSII improves the thickness of endothelial glycocalyx and decreases arterial stiffness after six months treatment in patients with T1DM.

Marked improvements in glycaemic outcomes following insulin pump therapy initiation in people with type 1 diabetes: a nationwide observational study in Scotland

Aims/hypothesisOur aim was to assess the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in people with type 1 diabetes in Scotland and its association with glycaemic control, as measured by HbA1c levels, frequency of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and severe hospitalised hypoglycaemia (SHH), overall and stratified by baseline HbA1c.MethodsWe included 4684 individuals with type 1 diabetes from the national Scottish register, who commenced CSII between 2004 and 2019. We presented crude within-person differences from baseline HbA1c over time since initiation, crude DKA and SHH event-rates pre-/post-CSII exposure. We then used mixed models to assess the significance of CSII exposure, taking into account: (1) the diffuse nature of the intervention (i.e. structured education often precedes initiation); (2) repeated within-person measurements; and (3) background time-trends occurring pre-intervention.ResultsHbA1c decreased after CSII initiation, with a median within-person change of −5.5 mmol/mol (IQR −12.0, 0.0) (−0.5% [IQR −1.1, 0.0]). Within-person changes were most substantial in those with the highest baseline HbA1c, with median −21.0 mmol/mol (−30.0, −11.0) (−1.9% [−2.7, −1.0]) change in those with a baseline >84 mmol/mol (9.8%) within a year of exposure, that was sustained: −19.0 mmol/mol (−27.6, −6.5) (−1.7% [−2.5, −0.6]) at ≥5 years. Statistical significance and magnitude of change were supported by the mixed models results. The crude DKA event-rate was significantly lower in post-CSII person-time compared with pre-CSII person-time: 49.6 events (95% CI 46.3, 53.1) per 1000 person-years vs 67.9 (64.1, 71.9); rate ratio from Bayesian mixed models adjusting for pre-exposure trend: 0.61 (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.47, 0.77; posterior probability of reduction pp = 1.00). The crude overall SHH event-rate in post-CSII vs pre-CSII person-time was also lower: 17.8 events (95% CI 15.8, 19.9) per 1000 person-years post-exposure vs 25.8 (23.5, 28.3) pre-exposure; rate ratio from Bayesian mixed models adjusting for pre-exposure trend: 0.67 (95% CrI 0.45, 1.01; pp = 0.97).Conclusions/interpretationCSII therapy was associated with marked falls in HbA1c especially in those with high baseline HbA1c. CSII was independently associated with reduced DKA and SHH rates. CSII appears to be an effective option for intensive insulin therapy in people with diabetes for improving suboptimal glycaemic control.Graphical abstract

The effect of DAFNE education, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, or both in a population with type 1 diabetes in Scotland.

To investigate the effect of DAFNE and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in clinical practice. Within NHS Lothian, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion started in 2004 and DAFNE education began in 2006. We extracted anonymized data from the national database for all those aged > 18 years with type 1 diabetes having a Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating course or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion start date (n = 4617). In total, 956 persons received DAFNE education, and 505 had received an insulin pump, 208 of whom had DAFNE education followed by insulin pump. Mean (SD) HbA1c before DAFNE education was 68 (15) mmol/mol (8.4% [1.4%]) and 66 (13) mmol/mol (8.2% [1.2%]) before continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. In the year following DAFNE education, the mean fall in within-person HbA1c was 3.8 mmol/mol (95% CI 4.0 to 3.4; 0.3% [0.4% to 0.3%]). Those with the poorest control (HbA1c ≥ 85 mmol/mol [9.9%]) experienced the largest decline (15.7 mmol/mol [1.4%]). Those in the lowest HbA1c band at initiation (< 53 mmol/mmol [7.0%]) experienced a rise. In the year following continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion initiation there was a mean fall in within-person HbA1c of 6.6 mmol/mol (6.8 to 6.4; 0.6% [0.6% to 0.6%]). In those with the poorest control (HbA1c ≥ 85 mmol/mol [9.9%]), the mean fall in HbA1c was 22.2 mmol/mol (23 to 21; 2.0% [2.1% to 1.9%]). Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion effectiveness was not different with or without DAFNE education. The effects of both interventions were sustained over 5 years. Both DAFNE education and insulin pump therapy had the greatest effect on HbA1c in those with higher baseline values. There was little difference to attained HbA1c when Dose Adjustment For Normal Eating education was introduced before insulin pump therapy.

Reducing glucose variability with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is associated with reversal of axonal dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus.

We assess whether improvement in control of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) can protect peripheral nerve function. Twelve patients with T1DM treated with multiple daily insulin injections were assessed with nerve excitability testing prior to and 3 months after initiation of CSII. Although commencing treatment with CSII for 3 months improved mean glycosylated hemoglobin, it did not significantly alter nerve excitability or glycemic variability (GV). In four patients, some deterioration in GV was observed, while eight patients had improvement in SD and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions. For these eight patients, there was normalization of depolarizing and hyperpolarizing threshold electrotonus and recovery cycle superexcitablity. When CSII initiation is able to reduce glycemic variability in T1DM, reversal of axonal dysfunction is seen, likely due to normalization of sodium-potassium pump function and restoration of transaxonal membrane potential.

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Initiation Is Associated With Blood Pressure Reduction in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes (T1D) continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) use has been associated with lower risks for mortality and diabetes-related complications when compared to multiple daily injections. There are limited data on the effect of CSII on blood pressure (BP). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between CSII initiation and BP changes. We performed a retrospective, single-center, observational study including all adults with T1D who initiated CSII between 2001 and 2014. Mean systolic BP levels were calculated from values obtained up to 15 months before and up 15 months after CSII initiation. We studied 436 adults (46% male; mean [95% CI] age: 45 [36, 54] years, duration of diabetes: 20.3 [19.1, 21.5] years). CSII was associated with the following changes (post minus pre CSII levels) in mean (95% CI) SBP and DBP levels, respectively: whole cohort (N = 436): -2 (-1, -3), P < .001 and -2 (-1, -2), P < .001; those taking stable antihypertensive medication (n = 118): -4 (-6, -2), P < .001 and -2 (-3, -1), P < .001; antihypertensive treatment-naïve patients (n = 279): -1 (-2, 0), P = .147 and -1 (-2, 0), P = .002. In multivariate regression analysis including age, sex, diabetes duration, pre-CSII BP, HbA1c and weight changes, only pre-CSII BP showed an independent association with BP drop in all patients' groups. Once adjusted for pre-CSII BP there was no significant difference between those on antihypertensive drugs and antihypertensive treatment-naïve individuals. We showed BP reduction in association with CSII therapy particularly in those on antihypertensive medication. These original findings may partly explain the cardiovascular and mortality benefits associated with CSII therapy.

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Characteristics in Type 1 Diabetes Children and Adolescents in Qatar.

AimTo describe continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) characteristics in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) children and adolescents using a standardized protocol in routine clinical settings in Qatar.MethodsA total of 138 T1DM patients (62 males; 76 females; mean age 9.8 ± 3.4 years) with a mean diabetes duration of 2.4 ± 1.9 years initiated CSII (MiniMed® Veo®™ and MiniMed® 640 G insulin pumps; Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA) in 2016 and 2017. CSII characteristics and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated 1 year after treatment initiation.ResultsAt 1 year after treatment initiation, the insulin dose had significantly increased (from 0.59 ± 0.23 to 0.74 ± 0.26 U/kg body weight per 24; P < 0.05), and the HbA1c level had significantly decreased (from 9.7 ± 1.3 to 8.1 ± 0.6%; P < 0.05). More than 92% of patients used the Bolus Wizard feature of the insulin pump at the following settings: insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio 19.2 ± 9.3 g; insulin sensitivity factor 131 ± 68 mg/dl; target range 91 ± 9.3–135 ± 14.2 mg/dl; active insulin time 3.8 ± 0.8 h.ConclusionOur results show that CSII may significantly improve glucose control in T1D children and adolescents who use a standardized protocol. A reduction of HbA1c by − 1.6% was achieved at 1 year after CSII initiation. These results need to be confirmed in a study with a longer duration.

HbA1c values and hospital admissions in children and adolescents receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy.

To assess HbA1c values and hospitalization rates before, during and after continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Demographic and hospitalization data were extracted from 161 individuals with Type 1 diabetes who received continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy between 2002 and 2013 at the Leeds Children and Young People's Diabetes Service for those aged < 20 years. The median (range) age at CSII start was 11.9 (1.1-17.6) years. The median (range) follow-up time was 2.3 (0-8.1) years. Random intercept models were used to compare HbA1c values before and during CSII initiation (and after CSII for those who discontinued it). Hospitalization rates were calculated for diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycaemia. The mean HbA1c concentration decreased by 7 mmol/mol [95% CI 6-8; 0.6% (95% CI 0.5-0.7%)]. For the discontinued group (n=30), mean HbA1c decreased by 5 mmol/mol [95% CI 2-8; 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.7%)]. HbA1c returned to pre-CSII start levels at the end of this therapy. Diabetic ketoacidosis admissions increased threefold during CSII compared with before CSII start [2.2 per 100 person-years (95% CI 1.3 to 3.6) vs 7.4 per 100 person-years (95% CI 5.1 to 10.8)] and was highest during the first year of CSII. No difference in severe hypoglycaemia incidence rate was found during CSII compared with the pre-CSII period. Despite significant reductions in HbA1c levels for individuals treated with CSII, improvements are needed to reduce diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalizations for those new to the therapy.

Monitoring of insulin pump therapy in children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the Russian Federation

Background. Insulin pump therapy in increasingly frequently used in the Russian Federation in recent years, which requires an evaluation of the treatment in order to improve its efficacy and safety.&#x0D; Objective — the study was aimed at complex monitoring (long-term efficacy and safety, state of medical care, factors associated with metabolic control, and factors hindering its use) of the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) from various regions of the Russian Federation.&#x0D; Material and methods. Data of 395 DM1 children and adolescents from 60 regions of the Russian Federation were collected from the pediatric CSII register of the Endocrinology Research Center. The following data were analyzed in different age groups (0 to 7 years, 8 to 11 years, 12 to 17 years, and 18 to 25 years): glycemic control, the incidence of acute complications, discontinuation of CSII, characteristic features of blood glucose monitoring, and supplies coverage.&#x0D; Results. Initiation of CSII is accompanied by decrease in HbA1c level with the lowest values within the period from 6 to 24 months (–0.7±1.5% compared to the baseline level). However, 6 years after CSII initiation, HbA1c values do not differ significantly from the baseline values. The target HbA1c level (less than 7.5%) is observed in 43.6% of children aged 0 to 7 years, 32.7% of children aged 8 to 11 years, 24.2% of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, and 28% of young adults aged 18 to 25 years. Regular self-monitoring of glycemia, 4 and more times per day, was performed by 83% of patients, while the frequency of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was low, 12.7% in the whole population. The incidence of acute complications in children and adolescents under 18 years did not differ significantly and the lowest incidence was observed in the age group 18 to 25 years. The effectiveness of CSII depended on the frequency of self-monitoring, CGM use, and supplies coverage. CSII discontinuation rate was 4.6 cases per 100 patient-years. The main reasons for discontinuation of CSII included the inconvenience of its use and the cost of supplies.&#x0D; Conclusions. Many children and the majority of adolescents with DM1, who use CSII, did not reach target HbA1c level despite the adequate self-monitoring. Many patients do not use CGM and refuse CSII. This necessitates the efforts to improve the efficacy and overcome barriers to the use of CGM and CSII.

Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.

Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion in Children: A Pilot Study Validating a Protocol to Avoid Hypoglycemia at Initiation.

The occurrence of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during the first days after transition to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with type 1 diabetes has not been systematically studied in children. The aim of this prospective study was to demonstrate that the protocol applied in our diabetes clinic is safe at CSII initiation in children. We assessed 22 pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) before and after CSII initiation (±3 days). After CSII initiation, there was no difference in the rates of hypoglycemic events expressed as relative rates (RRs) per person-reading (RR = 0.85, p = 0.52, 95% CI 0.52-1.39), as well as in the number of prolonged hypoglycemic events (>1 h) per day (RR = 1.12, p = 0.56, 95% CI 0.75-1.68). We observed only a trend toward prolonged episodes of hyperglycemia after pump initiation (RR = 1.52, p = 0.06, 95% CI 0.97-2.35). Our study is the first to assess, through CGM and in a prospective way, the impact of a CSII initiation protocol on glycemic values. Our protocol provides a safe model to avoid hypoglycemia at CSII initiation in children. www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01840358.

Long-Term Effects of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion on Glucose Control and Microvascular Complications in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes.

We investigated the long-term effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) on glucose control and microvascular complications in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). A total of 157 patients (59 M/98 W; age 39.1 ± 14.8 years) with T1D who switched from multiple daily injections to CSII and used CSII for at least one year were included. HbA1c levels and status of microvascular complications before and while under CSII were analyzed, retrospectively. The follow-up period was 4.0 ± 1.5 years. HbA1c significantly decreased from 8.4 ± 1.3 to 7.7 ± 1.3% (68 ± 14 to 61 ± 14 mmol/mol) after 1-year CSII and remained lower than pre-CSII levels during four years. Patients with pre-CSII HbA1c >8.0% (64 mmol/mol) showed significant improvement of HbA1c for four years, while those with pre-CSII HbA1c <8.0% showed no significant change. The prevalence of retinopathy, albuminuria, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were respectively 39%, 12%, and 9% at CSII initiation. During follow-up, the incidence of retinopathy, albuminuria, and CKD were 3.6, 2.5 and 1.4/100 patient-years. Onset or progression of retinopathy occurred in 16 (27.1%) patients with diabetes duration >15 years, and in three (4.3%) patients with diabetes duration <15 years ( P < .01). CSII was effective in improving HbA1c for up to four years, specifically in patients with HbA1c >8% (64 mmol/mol) prior to CSII. Incidence and progression rates of retinopathy and albuminuria were low, particularly in patients with a diabetes duration <15 years at CSII initiation. These results argue for not delaying a proposal of CSII initiation in T1D with sustained HbA1c >8% (64 mmol/mol).

Determining starting basal rates of insulin infusion for insulin pump users: a comparison between methods

ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the accuracy and safety of presently available methods of estimating starting basal insulin rates for patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes, and to compare them...

Adaptability of structured forms for CSII initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes the Getting2Goal(SM) concept.

BackgroundThe goal is to assess the usability and satisfaction of implementing the Getting2GoalSM protocol by physicians transitioning patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) from multiple daily injections (MDI) to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). MethodsT2DM patients from three diabetes clinics were switched from MDI to CSII. Physicians used the Getting2Goal type 2 pumping protocol to prescribe and manage insulin pump therapy for T2DM. Surveys were conducted in which the physicians rated their feedback related to acceptability of the Getting2Goal on a 5-point Likert scale. Results17 patients with T2DM were switched from MDI to CSII treatment. Mean (±standard deviation) age was 61.2 ± 7.7 (46–77) years, weight was 91.4 ± 21 (66–147) kg, BMI was 31.9 ± 7.6, A1C was 9.2 ± 1.4 % (7.2–12.3) and TDD on MDI was 109.1 ± 53.1 units. Surveys completed by physicians indicated Getting2Goal type 2 pumping protocol to be more efficient, time saving, and structured compared to their current processes. In addition, the primarily prescribed TDD on pump was 98.1 ± 50.0 units and the TDD at first download was 81.4 ± 36.4 units, representing a 25.4 % reduction in TDD At first download. The percentage of all blood glucose readings below 70 mg/dL was also very low. ConclusionsThe data indicate Getting2Goal materials as a standard approach that is simple and efficient to initiate pump therapy for T2DM. At the same time, it is safe and a useful tool for physicians that are starting to prescribe pump therapy for T2DM.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40618-015-0407-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long-term efficacy of insulin pump therapy on glycemic control in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is an effective method of intensive therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes; however, most studies have not examined long-term glycemic control. We evaluated the long-term efficacy of CSII in a cohort of adult patients with type 1 diabetes. This was a retrospective observational study of 200 patients with type 1 diabetes who initiated CSII at a single outpatient clinic in Kingston, ON, Canada between January 1998 and December 2012. Data were collected from 3 months prior to and up to 15 years after initiation of CSII and included glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and demographic factors potentially associated with glycemic control. Mean age and duration of diabetes at CSII initiation were 35.4 years and 22.4 years, respectively. Mean duration of CSII at the time of analysis was 6 years. Mean HbA1c at initiation of CSII was 8.7% and decreased to a nadir of 7.5% 6 months post-initiation (SD = 1.0) (P < 0.001). This increased over time (range, 7.8-8.2%) but remained lower than the pre-CSII HbA1c (P < 0.001). Shorter duration of diabetes prior to CSII initiation, history of missed appointments, mental illness, and active smoking were predictors of higher HbA1c on CSII. Pre-CSII HbA1c predicted long-term HbA1c on CSII. The data demonstrate that in a clinic setting, patients on CSII maintain lower HbA1c values over a 1-10-year period compared with pre-CSII values. Poor pre-CSII HbA1c, history of missed appointments, mental illness, and active smoking are predictors of those less likely to achieve an HbA1c target of ≤ 7.0%.

Why is insulin pump treatment rarely used in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes (T1D), the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) has increased steadily in the last years. Compared with conventional insulin injection regimes, major advantages might be a nearly physiological insulin secretion, lower rates of hypoglycemia, higher flexibility in daily life, and increased quality of life. Data on CSII in cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) are scarce. To analyze current use of insulin pumps in CFRD and compare demographics of pump-treated patients between CFRD and T1D. Data from the prospective German/Austrian diabetes patient registry on insulin-treated patients with either CFRD (n = 515) or T1D (n = 43 165) aged >10 yr at manifestation of diabetes were analyzed. A total of 4.1% (n = 21) of CFRD and 17.7% (n = 7647) of T1D patients received insulin pump treatment within the recent year of care (p < 0.001). Pump-treated patients with CFRD had a significantly shorter duration of diabetes [median (Q1 ; Q3 ): 5.8 (2.9; 9.5) vs. 7.8 (4.3; 20.4) yr, p = 0.026] and tended to be younger [22.0 (18.2; 30.1) vs. 24.9 (17.3; 45.9) yr] than pump-treated T1D patients. Age at initiation of CSII seemed to be lower in CFRD [19.2 (16.5; 29.2) vs. 23.3 (14.8; 43.5) yr]. Insulin pump therapy was used slightly more often in male CFRD patients than females (4.7 vs. 3.6%), whereas in T1D the opposite was observed (14.9 vs. 21.2%, p < 0.001). Discontinuation rate of CSII was higher in CFRD than T1D (30.0 vs. 12.7%, p = 0.005). Despite potential advantages, insulin pump therapy was rarely used among adolescent and young adult CFRD patients.

Insulin pump use in young children in the T1D Exchange clinic registry is associated with lower hemoglobin A1c levels than injection therapy

Insulin delivery via injection and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) via insulin pump were compared in a cross-sectional study (n = 669) and retrospective longitudinal study (n = 1904) of young children (<6 yr) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) participating in the T1D Exchange clinic registry. Use of CSII correlated with longer T1D duration (p < 0.001), higher parental education (p < 0.001), and annual household income (p < 0.006) but not with race/ethnicity. Wide variation in pump use was observed among T1D Exchange centers even after adjusting for these factors, suggesting that prescriber preference is a substantial determinant of CSII use. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was lower in pump vs. injection users (7.9 vs. 8.5%, adjusted p < 0.001) in the cross-sectional study. In the longitudinal study, HbA1c decreased after initiation of CSII by 0.2%, on average (p < 0.001). Frequency of a severe hypoglycemia (SH) event did not differ in pump vs. injection users (p = 0.2). Frequency of ≥1 parent-reported diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) event in the prior year was greater in pump users than injection users (10 vs. 8%, p = 0.04). No differences between pump and injection users were observed for clinic-reported DKA events. Children below 6 yr have many unique metabolic characteristics, feeding behaviors, and care needs compared with older children and adolescents. These data support the use of insulin pumps in this youngest age group, and suggest that metabolic control may be improved without increasing the frequency of SH, but care should be taken as to the possibly increased risk of DKA.