Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus conventional injection therapy in newly diagnosed diabetic children: two-year follow-up of a randomized, prospective trial

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024: Insulin and Adjunctive Treatments in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes

The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and updates recommendations on the principles of intensive insulin regimens, including more intensive forms of multiple daily injections with new-generation faster-acting and ultra-long-acting insulins; a summary of adjunctive medications used alongside insulin treatment that includes details on pramlintide, metformin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitors; and key considerations with regard to access to insulin and affordability to ensure that all persons with diabetes who need insulin can obtain it without financial hardship.

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines 2024: Diabetes Technologies - Insulin Delivery

The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and summarizes recent advances in the technology behind insulin administration, with special emphasis on insulin pump therapy, especially on glucose-responsive integrated technology that is feasible with the use of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in children and adolescents. The International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines represent a rich repository that serves as the only comprehensive set of clinical recommendations for children, adolescents, and young adults living with diabetes worldwide. This chapter builds on the 2022 ISPAD guidelines, and summarizes recent advances in the technology behind insulin administration, with special emphasis on insulin pump therapy, especially on glucose-responsive integrated technology that is feasible with the use of automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in children and adolescents.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions to preserve insulin-secreting β-cell function in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: Results from intervention studies aimed at improving glucose control

AIMS

Type 1 diabetes is characterised by the destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Significant levels of β-cells remain at diagnosis. Preserving these cells improves glucose control and protects from long-term complications. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analyses of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions to preserve β-cell function in people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This paper reports the results of interventions for improving glucose control to assess whether they preserve β-cell function.

METHODS

Searches for RCTs in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry. Eligible studies included newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes, any intervention to improve glucose control and at least 1 month of follow-up. Data were extracted using a pre-defined data-extraction sheet with 10% of extractions checked by a second reviewer.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies with 1662 participants were grouped by intervention into six subgroups (alternative insulins, subcutaneous and intravenous insulin delivery, intensive therapy, glucose sensing, adjuncts). Only three studies demonstrated an improvement in glucose control as well as β-cell function. These interventions included intensive insulin therapy and use of an alternative insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest comprehensive review of RCTs in this area. It demonstrates a lack of robust evidence that interventions to improve glucose control preserve β-cell function in new onset type 1 diabetes, although analysis was hampered by low-quality evidence and inconsistent reporting of studies. Development of guidelines to support the design of trials in this field is a priority.

Changes in insulin therapy regimens over 10 yr in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes attending diabetes camps

OBJECTIVE

To describe the changes in insulin therapy regimens of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes over 10 yr and their correlation with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study included 7206 children and adolescents (age 12.8 ± 2.7 yr, more than 1 yr of diabetes duration) admitted in summer camps between 1998 and 2007 (707-896/yr). Based on injection times (breakfast, lunch, afternoon, dinner, bedtime) and insulin types (short, long and premixed; human or analog), 786 different therapeutic combinations were classified in six main types of regimens. The distribution of the different regimens and their correlation with HbA1c were evaluated as a function of year and age.

RESULTS

Over 10 yr, basal bolus increased from 13 to 52% and the pump from <1 to 13%, regimens with two to three injections per day decreased from 50 to 25%, those with only premixed insulins from 33 to 7%, and diverse regimens from 9 to 1%. HbA1c was significantly higher with premixed insulin only, but there were no differences between the other regimens throughout the follow-up. Mean yearly HbA1c (8.21-8.45%) did not show any significant decrease, but the percentage of patients with HbA1c > 9 and 10% decreased significantly, in those treated with two to three injections and the pump, not with basal bolus or premixed only regimens.

CONCLUSION

A major trend in intensifying insulin treatment in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes was accompanied by modest improvements in HbA1c. No insulin regimen has shown any better results, except over premixed insulins.

Intensive glucose control versus conventional glucose control for type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Clinical guidelines differ regarding their recommended blood glucose targets for patients with type 1 diabetes and recent studies on patients with type 2 diabetes suggest that aiming at very low targets can increase the risk of mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of intensive versus conventional glycaemic targets in patients with type 1 diabetes in terms of long-term complications and determine whether very low, near normoglycaemic values are of additional benefit.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in the databases The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE. The date of the last search was December 2012 for all databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that had defined different glycaemic targets in the treatment arms, studied patients with type 1 diabetes, and had a follow-up duration of at least one year.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently extracted data, assessed studies for risk of bias, with differences resolved by consensus. Overall study quality was evaluated by the 'Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation' (GRADE) system. Random-effects models were used for the main analyses and the results are presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 12 trials that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, including a total of 2230 patients. The patient populations varied widely across studies with one study only including children, one study only including patients after a kidney transplant, one study with newly diagnosed adult patients, and several studies where patients had retinopathy or microalbuminuria at baseline. The mean follow-up duration across studies varied between one and 6.5 years. The majority of the studies were carried out in the 1980s and all trials took place in Europe or North America. Due to the nature of the intervention, none of the studies could be carried out in a blinded fashion so that the risk of performance bias, especially for subjective outcomes such as hypoglycaemia, was present in all of the studies. Fifty per cent of the studies were judged to have a high risk of bias in at least one other category.Under intensive glucose control, the risk of developing microvascular complications was reduced compared to conventional treatment for a) retinopathy: 23/371 (6.2%) versus 92/397 (23.2%); RR 0.27 (95% CI 0.18 to 0.42); P < 0.00001; 768 participants; 2 trials; high quality evidence; b) nephropathy: 119/732 (16.3%) versus 211/743 (28.4%); RR 0.56 (95% CI 0.46 to 0.68); P < 0.00001; 1475 participants; 3 trials; moderate quality evidence; c) neuropathy: 29/586 (4.9%) versus 86/617 (13.9%); RR 0.35 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.53); P < 0.00001; 1203 participants; 3 trials; high quality evidence. Regarding the progression of these complications after manifestation, the effect was weaker (retinopathy) or possibly not existent (nephropathy: RR 0.79 (95% CI 0.37 to 1.70); P = 0.55; 179 participants with microalbuminuria; 3 trials; very low quality evidence); no adequate data were available regarding the progression of neuropathy. For retinopathy, intensive glucose control reduced the risk of progression in studies with a follow-up duration of at least two years (85/366 (23.2%) versus 154/398 (38.7%); RR 0.61 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.76); P < 0.0001; 764 participants; 2 trials; moderate quality evidence), while we found evidence for an initial worsening of retinopathy after only one year of intensive glucose control (17/49 (34.7%) versus 7/47 (14.9%); RR 2.32 (95% CI 1.16 to 4.63); P = 0.02; 96 participants; 2 trials; low quality evidence).Major macrovascular outcomes (stroke and myocardial infarction) occurred very rarely, and no firm evidence could be established regarding these outcome measures (low quality evidence).We found that intensive glucose control increased the risk for severe hypoglycaemia, however the results were heterogeneous and only the 'Diabetes Complications Clinical Trial' (DCCT) showed a clear increase in severe hypoglycaemic episodes under intensive treatment. A subgroup analysis according to the baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of participants in the trials (low quality evidence) suggests that the risk of hypoglycaemia is possibly only increased for patients who started with relatively low HbA1c values (< 9.0%). Several of the included studies also showed a greater weight gain under intensive glucose control, and the risk of ketoacidosis was only increased in studies using insulin pumps in the intensive treatment group (very low quality evidence).Overall, all-cause mortality was very low in all studies (moderate quality evidence) except in one study investigating renal allograft as treatment for end-stage diabetic nephropathy. Health-related quality of life was only reported in the DCCT trial, showing no statistically significant differences between the intervention and comparator groups (moderate quality evidence). In addition, only the DCCT published data on costs, indicating that intensive glucose therapy control was highly cost-effective considering the reduction of potential diabetes complications (moderate quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Tight blood sugar control reduces the risk of developing microvascular diabetes complications. The evidence of benefit is mainly from studies in younger patients at early stages of the disease. Benefits need to be weighed against risks including severe hypoglycaemia, and patient training is an important aspect in practice. The effects of tight blood sugar control seem to become weaker once complications have been manifested. However, further research is needed on this issue. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence from RCTs on the effects of tight blood sugar control in older patient populations or patients with macrovascular disease. There is no firm evidence for specific blood glucose targets and treatment goals need to be individualised taking into account age, disease progression, macrovascular risk, as well as the patient's lifestyle and disease management capabilities.

Effectiveness of early intensive therapy on β-cell preservation in type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To assess effectiveness of inpatient hybrid closed-loop control (HCLC) followed by outpatient sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy initiated within 7 days of diagnosis of type 1 diabetes on the preservation of β-cell function at 1 year.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-eight individuals (mean age 13.3 ± 5.7 years; 35% female, 92% Caucasian) were randomized to HCLC followed by SAP therapy (intensive group; N = 48) or to the usual-care group treated with multiple daily injections or insulin pump therapy (N = 20). Primary outcome was C-peptide concentrations during mixed-meal tolerance tests at 12 months.

RESULTS

Intensive-group participants initiated HCLC a median of 6 days after diagnosis for a median duration of 71.3 h, during which median participant mean glucose concentration was 140 mg/dL (interquartile range 134-153 mg/dL). During outpatient SAP, continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use decreased over time, and at 12 months, only 33% of intensive participants averaged sensor use ≥6 days/week. In the usual-care group, insulin pump and CGM use were initiated prior to 12 months by 15 and 5 participants, respectively. Mean HbA1c levels were similar in both groups throughout the study. At 12 months, the geometric mean (95% CI) of C-peptide area under the curve was 0.43 (0.34-0.52) pmol/mL in the intensive group and 0.52 (0.32-0.75) pmol/mL in the usual-care group (P = 0.49). Thirty-seven (79%) intensive and 16 (80%) usual-care participants had a peak C-peptide concentration ≥0.2 pmol/mL (P = 0.30).

CONCLUSIONS

In new-onset type 1 diabetes, HCLC followed by SAP therapy did not provide benefit in preserving β-cell function compared with current standards of care.

Severe insulin allergy successfully treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

Insulin allergy is a rare complication of insulin therapy. Proper management, though difficult, is critical. Here, we report the case of a patient with type 2 diabetes and insulin allergy, successfully treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

Does the timing of insulin pump therapy initiation after type 1 diabetes onset have an impact on glycemic control?

BACKGROUND

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.

METHODS

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).

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Lower HbA1c after 1 year, in children with type 1 diabetes treated with insulin glargine vs. NPH insulin from diagnosis: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Insulin glargine offers sustained insulin delivery for 24 h. Change to glargine treatment consistently results in lower fasting glucose and fewer hypoglycemic episodes in children with type 1 diabetes compared to continuation of NPH, although glargine has not been shown to improve HbA1c in randomized trials. Studies comparing glargine and NPH in multiple injection therapy in children treated from diagnosis of type 1 diabetes are lacking.

METHODS

HbA1c and insulin requirement were compared in a retrospective study of children (7-17 yr of age) with type 1 diabetes treated from diagnosis with basal insulin glargine (n = 49) or NPH (n = 49) in a multiple injection therapy (MIT) regimen with a rapid-acting insulin analogue. Patients were followed every third month for 1 yr. HbA1c, insulin dose, and weight data were retrieved.

RESULTS

HbA1c (mean ± SD) was lower at 3-5 months (5.5 ± 0.89 vs. 6.2 ± 0.89%, p < 0.05) and 6-9 months (5.6 ± 1.14 vs. 6.6 ± 0.99%; p < 0.001) in glargine treated. After 12 months, HbA1c was significantly lower in glargine treated (6.3 ± 1.56 vs. 7.1 ± 1.28; p < 0.01). Reported total insulin doses were similar at nadir (0.5 U/kg BW × 24 h), but significantly lower at 12 months in glargine treated (0.64 ± 0.23 vs. 0.86 ± 0.3 U/kg BW × 24 h; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HbA1c 1 yr from diagnosis was lower in children treated with glargine from start as compared with those on NPH. This observation should be viewed in the light of a significantly lower dose of total daily insulin in the glargine group.

Immunogenicity of different brands of human insulin and rapid-acting insulin analogs in insulin-naïve children with type 1 diabetes

AIMS

To determine (i) whether insulin preparations produced by three companies induce the same immune responses in insulin-naïve children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM); (ii) if switching from human insulin to rapid-acting insulin analogs influences this immune response; and (iii) if different insulin brands produce different clinical results during the first 2 yr after T1DM diagnosis.

METHODS

Insulin antibodies (IA) were measured for 140 patients aged 1.4-17.6 yr. Regular human insulin, neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) human insulin, and rapid-acting insulin analogs (lispro or aspart) taken by the patients were produced by one of three companies: Bioton, Poland (A), Eli Lilly, USA (B) and NovoNordisk, Denmark (C).

RESULTS

Positive IA levels were found in 112 patients (80.0%) at baseline and in 137 (97.9%) at 6 and at 24 months after T1DM diagnosis. There was no difference in IA levels among patients taking insulin preparations produced by different companies at 6 months (mean ± SD, A 27.8 ± 15.7%; B 25.3 ± 15.4%; C 24.5 ± 14.2; p = 0.54) or at 24 months (A 25.6 ± 17.8%; B29.6 ± 17.0%; C 26.2 ± 17.0%; p = 0.52); HbA(1c) and daily insulin dose did not differ significantly either. After 24 months, IA levels were similar for those who had used human insulin (mean ± SD, 25.7 ± 17.2%) and for those that had added rapid-acting analogs (28.1 ± 17.3%, p = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Three brands of insulin preparations did not differ with respect to immunogenicity. Rapid-acting analogs did not increase IA levels in patients previously treated with human insulin only. Patients using insulin preparations of different brands did not differ with respect to daily insulin dose or HbA(1c) .

The importance of anti-insulin antibody in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion or multiple daily insulin injections therapy

To investigate the influence of two insulin administration modalities, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) therapy with insulin analogues, on the development of insulin antibodies (IAs) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and to assess the impact of IAs on glucose control and hypoglycaemia. 96 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with CSII (n = 48) or MDI (n = 48) were included in the study. Age, duration of diabetes, A1c, preprandial and postprandial blood glucose and hypoglycaemic events were compared between IA positive and negative patients. IA levels were higher in the CSII group (% 24.6 ± 14.2) than the MDI group (% 13.2 ± 9.9). Duration of diabetes and age were not associated with IA positiveness. While A1c, preprandial blood glucose and the frequency of hypoglycaemic events were similar in two groups, postprandial blood glucose was lower in IA positive group (P = 0.03). Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with CSII with insulin analogues had higher IA levels when compared to MDI therapy. However, the development of IAs did not impair the glycaemic control.

Metabolic control in children with diabetes mellitus who are younger than 6 years at diagnosis: continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion as a first line treatment?

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term metabolic outcomes in children with diabetes mellitus that was diagnosed when they were <6 years old.

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort of 66 children with diabetes mellitus that had a duration of at least 5 years and was diagnosed before they were 6 years old. Thirty-four children were treated at diagnosis with multiple daily subcutaneous insulin injections (MDI), and all these children, except 3, were switched to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII; group A). Thirty-two children received CSII as initial treatment (group B).

RESULTS

Hemoglobin A1c values were significantly lower in patients receiving CSII than MDI during all the 8 years of follow-up except one (year 1: 6.9%+/-0.9% versus 7.6%+/-1%, P=.011 ; year 4: 7.4%+/-0.8% versus 8.1%+/-0.9%, P=.006; year 7: 7.6%+/-0.5% versus 8.3%+/-0.8%, P=.001). The incidence of severe hypoglycemia was greatly decreased for the CSII group (9.8 versus 22.3 episodes/100 patient-years, P=.016). In group A, hemoglobin A1c values increased during the study period, and in group B, they increased only during the first 2 years and remained constant thereafter. Only 9.1% of patients did not use or abandoned CSII.

CONCLUSION

CSII in children<6 years of age enables better long-term metabolic control and lowers the risk of severe hypoglycemia better than MDI, especially when initiated at diagnosis.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus multiple insulin injections for type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulin secretion. Onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus may occur at any age and it is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood and adolescence. Since there are no interventions known to prevent onset, it is vital that effective treatment regimes are available. Glycaemic control is maintained by replacement of insulin and may be in the form of 'conventional' insulin therapy (multiple injections per day) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of CSII compared to multiple insulin injections (MI) in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Studies were obtained from electronic searches of The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies were included if they were randomised controlled trials comparing CSII with three or more insulin injections per day (MI) in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted characteristics of included studies. Authors contacted study investigators to obtain missing information. Generic inverse variance meta-analyses using a random-effects model were performed.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty three studies randomised 976 participants with type 1 diabetes to either intervention. There was a statistically significant difference in glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) favouring CSII (weighted mean difference -0.3% (95% confidence interval -0.1 to -0.4). There were no obvious differences between the interventions for non-severe hypoglycaemia, but severe hypoglycaemia appeared to be reduced in those using CSII. Quality of life measures suggest that CSII is preferred over MI. No significant difference was found for weight. Adverse events were not well reported, no information is available on mortality, morbidity and costs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is some evidence to suggest that CSII may be better than MI for glycaemic control in people with type 1 diabetes. Non-severe hypoglycaemic events do not appear to be reduced with CSII. There is insufficient evidence regarding adverse events, mortality, morbidity and costs.

Circulating insulin antibodies: influence of continuous subcutaneous or intraperitoneal insulin infusion, and impact on glucose control

The purification of animal insulin preparations and the use of human recombinant insulin have markedly reduced the incidence, but not completely suppressed, the development of anti-insulin antibodies (IAs). Advances in technologies concerning the mode of delivery of insulin, i.e. continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous peritoneal insulin infusion (CPII) and more recently inhaled insulin administration, appear to significantly increase circulating levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-IAs in diabetic patients. However, the increase is usually moderate and mostly transient as compared to previous observations with poorly purified animal insulin preparations. The clinical impact of these circulating anti-IAs remains unclear. Nevertheless, several studies have suggested that antibodies could retard insulin action, leading to a worsening of postprandial hyperglycaemia and/or serve as a carrier, thus leading to unexpected hypoglycaemia. CPII may be associated with more marked and sustained increase in IAs levels, possibly related to the use of an unstable insulin and the formation of immunogenic aggregates of insulin. The possible clinical consequences of these high levels of IAs remain to be evaluated because a low-glucose morning syndrome or severe insulin resistance with ketone bodies production have been reported in some cases. In conclusion, even if CSII and CPII may promote the development of circulating IAs, this increase does not lead to immunological insulin resistance, compared to that previously described with animal non-purified insulin preparations, and seems to have only marginal influence on blood glucose control or complications in most diabetic patients.

Factors associated with adherence to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in pediatric diabetes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSIONS

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.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus using an external insulin pump: the state of the art

The aim of diabetes treatment is to achieve tight glucose control to avoid the development of chronic diabetic complications while reducing the frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) using an external pump is an intensive diabetes therapy recognized to improve metabolic control and glycaemic instability, and to reduce the frequency of severe hypoglycaemia. For years, the theoretical advantages of the insulin pump (constancy of basal delivery, adjustable basal rates, and low insulin depots allowing the reduction of glycaemic variability) have contributed to its reported superiority compared with multiple daily injections (MDI). However, insulin pump therapy is now challenged by new MDI regimens based on long-acting insulin analogues that could replace the use of CSII. As a consequence, health professionals now have to determine which patients are likely to benefit the most from CSII. Recently, several studies reported that children and adolescents, and patients whose blood glucose imbalance was initially the most pronounced with basal-bolus regimens, would particularly benefit from CSII. Other indications were also proposed in marginal clinical situations with highly selected patients in whom a significant improvement of blood glucose was demonstrated. Finally, the use of CSII in type 2 diabetic patients now appears to be a good alternative to the ineffective MDI regimens observed in some of these patients. However, past experience with CSII indicates that candidates for insulin pump therapy must be carefully selected and strongly motivated to improve their glucose control. Use of CSII also requires strict medical supervision by physicians and a regular programme of patient education by paramedical teams, to ensure optimal responsible use of this technique by healthcare professionals.

Improved treatment satisfaction but no difference in metabolic control when using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs. multiple daily injections in children at onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare safety, metabolic control, and treatment satisfaction in children/adolescents at onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus who were treated with either continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or multiple daily injections (MDI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Seventy-two children/adolescents (7-17 yr of age) were enrolled in this open, randomized, parallel, multicenter study. Approximately half of the patients were treated with MDI (natural protamine hagedorn [NPH] insulin twice daily and rapid-acting insulin three to -four times daily, n = 38) by pen, and the other half received CSII (n = 34). The patients were followed for 24 months with clinical visits at the entry of the study and after 1, 6, 12, and 24 months. During these visits, hemoglobin A1c, insulin doses, weight, and height were registered. Severe episodes of hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis as well as technical problems were recorded. In addition, the patients/parents answered the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in metabolic control between the treatment groups. Treatment satisfaction was significantly higher in the group treated with CSII compared with the MDI group (p <or= 0.01 at all screening visits). There were no episodes of ketoacidosis and there was no significant difference regarding severe hypoglycemia between the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CSII treatment proved to be a safe therapy in children/adolescents followed for 24 months after onset of their diabetes. Treatment satisfaction was higher in the CSII group, although there was no difference in metabolic control compared with the MDI group.

Clinical manifestations and beta cell function in Swedish diabetic children have remained unchanged during the last 25 years

BACKGROUND

The incidence of type 1 diabetes in childhood has doubled in Sweden during the last decades. Environmental factors may cause a different disease process, residual beta cell function and clinical manifestation. Insulin therapy has become more intensive. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics at onset, C-peptide secretion during the first years after diagnosis and if there was any secular trends during the last 25 years.

METHODS

All 316 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes during 1976--2000 and living in the Linköping area were included. Information about clinical characteristics at diagnosis, duration of partial remission, insulin therapy at diagnosis and during the first years was collected from medical records. C-peptide secretion (fasting and stimulated) was measured regularly during the first 5 years. For analysis, the population was divided in five cohorts according to the year of diagnosis.

RESULTS

The clinical characteristics at onset were unchanged as well as duration of partial remission. C-peptide secretion was highest after 3 months and then declined gradually. After 5 years 32.7% of the patients had measurable fasting C-peptide, but only 6.5% > 0.1 nmol/L. HbA1c and insulin doses were lower in patients with persistent fasting C-peptide secretion > 0.1 nmol/L. The cohort 1996--2000 had higher stimulated C-peptide secretion at diagnosis and at 3 months, after longer follow-up there was no difference.

CONCLUSION

The clinical characteristics at diagnosis, partial remission and duration of C-peptide secretion have remained largely unchanged for the last 25 years.

Past, present, and future of insulin pump therapy: better shot at diabetes control

With the advent of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy and the findings of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, the management of type 1 diabetes has changed drastically. Over the past 30 years since its development, the effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion has been assessed in comparison with other modes of intensive treatment. Additionally, improvements in pump delivery systems have been made. Here, the findings of the studies on pump therapy are reviewed. Selection criteria of patients for pump use and how to initiate pump therapy are presented. Finally, newer findings on continuous glucose sensors are discussed as the next era of pump therapy continues to focus on the goal of developing an artificial pancreas.

The renaissance of insulin pump treatment in childhood type 1 diabetes

Current goals for the treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus include achieving near-normal blood sugar levels, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia, optimizing quality of life, and preventing or delaying long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), or insulin pump therapy, provides a treatment option that can assist in the attainment of all of these goals in all ages of children. In pediatric patients, CSII has been demonstrated to reduce both glycosylated hemoglobin levels and frequency of severe hypoglycemia, without sacrifices in safety, quality of life, or weight gain, particularly in conjunction with the use of new insulin analogs and improvements in pump technology. Clinical studies of safety and efficacy of CSII in children are reviewed, as well as criteria for patient selection and practical considerations using pump therapy in youth with T1DM.

Current practice of insulin pump therapy in children and adolescents - the Hannover recipe

Increasing evidence points to the importance of achieving low blood glucose variability and also a low hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to prevent diabetic late complications. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is associated with lower blood glucose variability in children. Frequent indications for starting CSII in youth are recurrent hypoglycemia, need for increased flexibility, poor glycemic control, dawn phenomenon, or needle phobia. At our center, about one-third of all patients across all age groups are currently on CSII. Although the average glycemic control is not very different from those on multiple daily injections, fewer patients are seen in the segment of very high and very low HbA1c with CSII. Across centers, the 'recipes' tailoring CSII treatment to individual patients and cultures are based more on experience than on evidence. However, several typical pediatric features have been identified. Patterns of the hourly basal rate and prandial insulin requirements vary with age. While many adolescents have increased requirements at dawn and dusk, young children show increasing needs in the second half of the day. Low insulin requirements, particularly in neonates, may need insulin dilution. The selection of catheters and needles has to be appropriate for the age. The opportunity to have an electronic memory read-out of all entries and alarms offers new possibilities of therapeutic monitoring, particularly in those youth not keeping good logbooks. This feature can be helpful, if a trustful relationship between the diabetes team and the family is established.

Hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis with insulin pump therapy in children and adolescents

This review deals with the two most serious side effects encountered with insulin pump therapy, severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Although clinical follow-up studies reported decreased rates of severe hypoglycemia, randomized studies have not confirmed this, showing no difference between the pump and injection groups. Less-severe hypoglycemia (mild/moderate/symptomatic hypoglycemia) was found to be more common with pump use. Some patients have inadvertently dosed or overdosed while awake or during sleep, causing fatal outcome in rare cases. Population-based or retrospective clinical studies reported a low rate of DKA in pump users that was still a higher rate than those using injection therapy, at least in some countries. In research settings and for patients with good compliance and adequate family support, the risk of DKA seems lower; many short-term studies report no DKA at all, possibly due to the increased attention given to participants. The use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) seems to decrease the risk in patients who had recurrent DKA before pump start. Most episodes of DKA occur early after pump start, suggesting a learning curve occurs in all new forms of treatment. Increased teaching and awareness programs are vital to prevent severe hypoglycemia and DKA in children and adolescents using insulin pumps.

Insulin pumps in pediatric routine care improve long-term metabolic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia

Although continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) has been used in pediatric practice for >20 yr, the technique is not widely used in many countries. The aim of this non-randomized population-based study was to evaluate CSII in routine pediatric care. In a 1-yr cross-sectional evaluation, 27/89 patients (30.3%, age 7-21 yr) used pumps (two during the night only), the others 4-6 injections/day. In patients with >2 yr of diabetes, pump users had higher HbA1c (8.9+/-1.0 vs. 8.2+/-1.6%, p=0.04), less insulin/24 h (0.9+/-0.1 vs. 1.0+/-0.2 U/kg, p=0.002), and longer diabetes duration (p=0.02). The higher HbA1c is explained by 67% of pump patients having high HbA1c (>8.5%) as the major indication for CSII. The overall incidence of severe hypoglycemia was 31.5/100 patient years, 40.3 for injection therapy, and 11.1 for pump therapy (p=not significant). The incidence of severe hypoglycemia with unconsciousness was 12.9/100 patient years and with seizures 9.7 for injection therapy, whereas no children on pumps experienced these complications during the cross-sectional study year. We had no admissions for ketoacidosis in either group during this year. The pump patients were followed for 5 yr after pump start. Two stopped using the pump after 2 and 3 yr. For the patients with high HbA1c as indication, mean HbA1c the year before pump was 9.5%. Mean HbA1c during the first year with pump was lowered to 8.9% (p=0.019), the second year 8.6% (p=0.017), the third year 8.6 (p=0.012), the fourth year 8.7 (p=0.062), and the fifth year 8.9% (p=0.28). We found six cases of ketoacidosis corresponding to 4.7/100 patient years. In conclusion, we found a long-term lowering of HbA1c after starting CSII in a pediatric population, decreased frequency of severe hypoglycemia, and a low risk of ketoacidosis.

Insulin pump therapy in childhood diabetes-cost implications for Primary Care Trusts

AIMS

Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are now responsible for the planning and delivery of health-care services throughout England and Wales. As the 25 PCTs throughout Yorkshire are representative of the national distribution in terms of population structure and socio-economic status, we aimed to address the paucity of information describing the burden of childhood diabetes in primary care and to evaluate the cost implications of insulin pump therapy on individual PCTs.

METHODS

We extracted information from a population-based register in Yorkshire, including 1952 patients diagnosed under the age of 15 years from 1990 to 2003. Each patient's postcode was linked to an individual PCT. Incidence rates (per 100 000 patient years) were derived and assessed for evidence of heterogeneity across PCTs and within Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs).

RESULTS

Incidence rates were lower in West Yorkshire (19.1, 95% CI 18.0-20.2) than North-east Yorkshire (20.3, 18.9-21.6), although this difference was not significant (P = 0.20). No significant evidence of heterogeneity in incidence rates was observed across PCTs (P = 0.46). Ninety per cent of all PCTs would expect four to seven newly diagnosed children per year, corresponding to a single general practitioner (GP) referring an individual for diagnosis once every 15 years on average. Assuming 1% of current patients under the age of 15 years with diabetes were to move onto insulin pump therapy, this would impose an additional cost of pound400-1300 per year for each PCT. The average cost was 15% lower for PCTs in West Yorkshire than North and East Yorkshire.

CONCLUSIONS

The additional resources required to pay for insulin pump therapy for a small proportion of the diabetes population would be minimal given the potential benefits to these patients of improved control and anticipated reduction in long-term morbidity.

Insulin pump treatment of childhood type 1 diabetes

Current goals for the treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus include achieving near-normal blood sugar levels, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia, optimizing quality of life, and preventing or delaying long-term microvascular complications. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) provides a treatment option that can assist in the attainment of all of these goals in all ages of children. Usage of CSII has been demonstrated to reduce glycosylated hemoglobin levels and frequency of severe hypoglycemia, without sacrifices in safety, quality of life, or weight gain, particularly in conjunction with the use of new insulin analogs and improvements in pump technology. Clinical studies of safety and efficacy of CSII in children are reviewed.

Insulin pump therapy in childhood diabetes mellitus: guidelines for use

The current goals for the therapy of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus are to achieve near-normal glycemia, minimize the risk of severe hypoglycemia, limit excessive weight gain while achieving adequate growth, improve quality of life for both the patients and their families, and delay or prevent vascular complications. Insulin pump therapy provides a treatment option that can significantly aid in achieving all of these goals across all age ranges of pediatric patients. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pump therapy can provide greater flexibility in the timing of meals and snacks, has programmable basal rates to optimize overnight glycemic control, can reduce the risk of exercise-induced hypoglycemia, and enhances the ability of the patient and the family members to achieve acceptable diabetes control. In pediatric patients, CSII has been shown to reduce both glycosylated hemoglobin levels and the frequency of severe hypoglycemia without increasing the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. The effectiveness of CSII, improvements in pump technology, and the availability of very rapid-acting insulin analogs have fueled a dramatic increase in the use of this therapy. This review presents practical guidelines for the selection of patients, initiation of treatment and patient education, as well as guidelines for use while exercising and at school. Keys to the success of CSII are to have a multidisciplinary team of clinicians who are expert in the care of children with diabetes, and patients and families who are able to carry out the tasks of intensive treatment, including self-monitoring of blood glucose levels, carbohydrate counting, and infusion pump management. Patients and parents need to be able to recognize and treat hypoglycemia, and prevent the development of ketoacidosis. School personnel need to be involved in the treatment plan and individual algorithms developed for periods of extra exercise and activity. The recent introduction of methods for continuous glucose monitoring provides a new means to optimize the basal and bolus capabilities of CSII and offers hope for the development of a feedback-controlled artificial pancreas.

A 2-year pilot trial of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus intensive insulin therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (IMDIAB 8)

In a pilot study, the metabolic effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) versus intensive subcutaneous insulin therapy (ISIT) started at diagnosis in patients with Type 1 diabetes and continued for a 2-year period were evaluated and compared. Twenty-three patients (between 12 and 35 years old, mean +/- SD 18.4 +/- 9 years) were randomized into two treatment groups (CSII vs. ISIT), and both received supplemental nicotinamide (NA), 25 mg/kg of body weight. CSII was started immediately after admission to the hospital. Parameters of metabolic control [insulin dose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and C-peptide] were evaluated for a 2-year follow-up period. Data are presented for a total of 19 patients who remained in the study for its duration. Two years after diagnosis, mean +/- SD HbA1c was 6.3 +/- 0.5% and 6.2 +/- 0.3% for the CSII and ISIT groups, respectively (p=not significant). Compared with baseline values, an increase of baseline C-peptide of 38% for the CSII group and 27% for the ISIT group was observed; however, the difference between the groups was not significant. The insulin requirement for the entire duration of the study, but not at entry and 3 months, was significantly higher in CSII compared with ISIT patients (0.62 +/- 0.4 IU/kg/day vs. 0.3 +/- 0.4 IU/kg/day, respectively; p<0.01). After trial completion patients on CSII continued with this mode of therapy. Implementation of CSII as well as ISIT at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and continuation for 2 years thereafter achieved similar and optimal metabolic control, but more insulin was required with the CSII group. Both types of intensive insulin therapy combined with NA are able to preserve C-peptide secretion or even increase baseline levels for up to 2 years after diagnosis.

Less severe hypoglycaemia, better metabolic control, and improved quality of life in Type 1 diabetes mellitus with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy; an observational study of 100 consecutive patients followed for a mean of 2 years

AIMS

To compare glycaemic control, occurrence of acute complications, and diabetes-specific quality of life in Type 1 diabetic patients (on intensified conventional insulin treatment (ICT)) before and after initiation of CSII.

METHODS

One hundred and three patients (58 women) started CSII between October 1995 and April 1999 in our department. The indication for CSII was optimization of metabolic control and improvement of flexibility of life style (OF group) in 60 patients (58%), and prevention of severe hypoglycaemia (HY group) in 43 patients. Mean age at initiation of CSII was 33 +/- 11 years (OF 33 +/- 10, HY 33 +/- 11 (mean +/- sd)), diabetes duration 18 +/- 9 years (OF 16 +/- 9, HY 20 +/- 9). Three patients stopped CSII, mean duration of CSII of the remaining 100 patients was 1.8 +/- 1.2 years. The occurrence of hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis and skin abscesses was assessed retrospectively for the 12 months before starting CSII, and recorded continuously during CSII. Quality of life was assessed with a validated, diabetes-specific questionnaire before and after CSII in 50 patients.

RESULTS

The incidence of serious hypoglycaemia (any external help) was reduced from 1.23 (OF 0.0; HY 2.93) during ICT to 0.29 cases/patient per year (OF 0.09; HY 0.55) during CSII. The incidence of severe hypoglycaemia (SH) (treated with i.v. glucose or glucagon injection) fell from 0.70 (OF 0.0; SH 1.67) during ICT to 0.06 cases/patient per year (OF 0.02; HY 0.12) during CSII. HbA1c improved from 7.7 +/- 1.1% to 7.2 +/- 1.0% (P < 0.001) (OF 7.8% vs. 7.2%; HY 7.6% vs. 7.2%). During CSII the incidence of abscesses was 0.11 and of ketoacidosis 0.01 cases/patient per year. Quality of life assessments showed significant improvement in all parameters during CSII.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of Type 1 diabetic patients, we observed a substantial decrease of hypoglycaemia along with a significant fall of HbA1c. Quality of life on CSII was improved when compared with ICT.

Insulin pump therapy in the 21st century. Strategies for successful use in adults, adolescents, and children with diabetes

Intensive diabetes management can be achieved in adults, adolescents, and children with use of CSII. Compared with MDI, CSII has better insulin pharmacokinetics, less variability in insulin absorption, and decreased risk of hypoglycemia; it also offers patients greater flexibility in lifestyle. Careful adjustment of basal and bolus doses and close follow-up, including patient education, are vital to the success of CSII.

Glycaemic control with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion compared with intensive insulin injections in patients with type 1 diabetes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To compare glycaemic control and insulin dosage in people with type 1 diabetes treated by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (insulin infusion pump therapy) or optimised insulin injections.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis of 12 randomised controlled trials.

PARTICIPANTS

301 people with type 1 diabetes allocated to insulin infusion and 299 allocated to insulin injections for between 2.5 and 24 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Glycaemic control measured by mean blood glucose concentration and percentage of glycated haemoglobin. Total daily insulin dose.

RESULTS

Mean blood glucose concentration was lower in people receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion compared with those receiving insulin injections (standardised mean difference 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.35 to 0.77), equivalent to a difference of 1.0 mmol/l. The percentage of glycated haemoglobin was also lower in people receiving insulin infusion (0.44, 0.20 to 0.69), equivalent to a difference of 0.51%. Blood glucose concentrations were less variable during insulin infusion. This improved control during insulin infusion was achieved with an average reduction of 14% in insulin dose (difference in total daily insulin dose 0.58, 0.34 to 0.83), equivalent to 7.58 units/day.

CONCLUSIONS

Glycaemic control is better during continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion compared with optimised injection therapy, and less insulin is needed to achieve this level of strict control. The difference in control between the two methods is small but should reduce the risk of microvascular complications.

Insulin pump therapy in pediatrics: a therapeutic alternative to safely lower HbA1c levels across all age groups

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy and safety of using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy in a large group of patients 18 months to 18 yr from a single pediatric diabetes program.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All patients < or = 18 yr of age starting on CSII from 1 January 1997 to 31 March 2000 at the Yale Children's Diabetes Program were included. Clinical data were collected prospectively before and during pump treatment. HbA1c was the primary efficacy outcome and rates of diabetes-related adverse events were the primary safety measures.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-one children ranging in age from 18 months to 18 yr received CSII for an average of 32 +/- 9 months when data collection was closed on 31 October 2001, including 26 preschoolers (< 7 yr), 76 school-agers (7-11 yr) and 59 adolescents (12-18 yr). Mean HbA1c levels were 7.1% in the preschoolers, 7.8% in the school-agers and 8.1% in the adolescents prior to the start of CSII. There was a significant and consistent reduction in mean HbA1c levels after 12 months of CSII (to 6.5% in preschoolers, 7.3% in school-agers and 7.4% in adolescents, p < 0.02 vs. prepump) that was maintained at the most recent visit. Improved diabetes control was achieved with CSII without increasing daily insulin doses and in association with a decrease in the frequency of severe hypoglycemic events (p < 0.05 vs. prepump, all three age groups combined).

CONCLUSIONS

CSII is an effective alternative to injection therapy in a large pediatric diabetes clinic setting. Even very young patients can utilize CSII to safely lower HbA1c levels.

Tactics for type I diabetes

This article discusses the evolution of therapy for type I diabetes and considers how physicians should be thinking about the disease in the late 1990s. The biases herein are that management strategy has evolved such that contemporary practice should routinely entail a system of "flexible intensive therapy" directed at meticulous glycemic control. To accomplish this requires a skilled management team including an educated, motivated patient and family working in a negotiated therapeutic alliance; a further goal should be the development of effective approaches to interdict the pathogenetic process such that disease prevention is possible.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in children and adolescents with chronic poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus

This study was undertaken to determine if continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) could improve control, diminish episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), decrease number of hospitalizations and save health care expenditure in children and adolescents with long-standing poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. A retrospective analysis was done of six patients with type 1 diabetes for 1-8 years, of whom 4 were non-adherent to the diabetic regimen (ages 12-16.5 years) and 2 of whom had brittle diabetes (ages 8.5 and 10 years). These patients were non-randomly placed on the MiniMed (Sylmar, CA) CSII system. The year prior to CSII was compared with the year during pump use. Glycoslyated hemoglobin (HbA1c), spot urinary microalbumin, total cholesterol, insulin dose, growth velocity, number of convulsions and hypoglycemic events, number of episodes of DKA, number of hospitalizations and total inpatient costs were compared for the 2 years. The year prior to CSII, mean HbA1c was 9.02% (S.D. = 0.86%), mean number of hospitalizations was 5.2/patient (S.D. = 4.6), mean number of hospital days was 20.8/patient (S.D. = 14.7) and mean cost was $29330/patient (S.D. = $22804). During 1 year of CSII, mean number of hospital days decreased to 5 days/patient (S.D. = 0.8, P = 0.016), mean number of hospitalizations (including DKA and pump initiation) decreased to 1.7/patient (S.D. = 0.7, P = 0.31), mean inpatient costs decreased to $12762/patient (S.D. = $5.950, P = 0.047). HbA1c, urinary microalbumin, cholesterol, insulin dose and growth velocity did not change in a statistically significant manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The use of glipizide combined with intensive insulin treatment for the induction of remissions in new onset adult type I diabetes

To determine if glipizide could enhance remission induction in new onset type 1 diabetes compared to intensive insulin treatment alone, 27 patients with type 1 diabetes were intensively treated in an open randomized trial with subcutaneous injections for one month. The insulin was randomly either discontinued (Group A) or the insulin discontinued and glipizide begun (Group B) Three patients in Group A (22%) and 7 in Group B (54%, p < .05) underwent insulin-free remissions for 10.3 +/- 4.4 and 8.7 +/- 2.6 months, respectively (p = NS). Mean blood glucose levels during insulin treatment were lower in patients entering remissions (94 +/- 3 mg/dl versus 102 +/- 5 mg/dl, p < 0.05). C-peptide levels were performed 0, 4, 8, and 24 weeks after insulin treatment. When all patients were examined, mean stimulated C-peptide levels at 4 weeks (0.58 +/- 0.09 pm/ml) were increased compared to time 0 (0.32 +/- 0.05 pm/ml, p < 0.02). Patients not entering remission had higher 4-week stimulated values (0.67 +/- 0.12 pm/ml) compared to time 0 values (0.29 +/- 0.06 pm/ml, p < .01), whereas remission patients' mean C-peptide levels remained similar at 0, 4, 8 and 24 weeks. These data indicate that a) insulin treatment plus glipizide induces higher rates of remission compared to intensive insulin treatment alone, b) the intensity of initial metabolic control may be an important determinant for remission induction, and c) endogenous insulin secretion is not associated with remission induction, suggesting that glipizide alters insulin sensitivity or is immunomodulatory in the context of new onset type 1 diabetes.

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and insulin antibodies in rabbits

Using prepubertal male New Zealand White rabbits, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), delivered by either an external or an implantable infusion device, resulted in significantly higher insulin antibody (I-Ab) production than bolus injection (BII). We tested the influence during CSII of (1) the insulin species, (2) the insulin diluent, (3) the materials of which the infusion devices were made and (4) the incubation of insulin in a syringe on the backs of rabbits ('sham-infusion'), with the following results: (1) beef and sulphated beef insulins produced high levels of I-Abs, while porcine and human insulins produced moderate levels; (2) with all insulins used, 0.9% NaCl and 0.9% NaCl with 24-26 mmol NaHCO3 added, produced high levels of I-Ab. A buffer containing 0.7% NaCl, 0.136% sodium acetate trihydrate and 0.1% methyl-p-hydroxybenzoate and a buffer containing 16 mg/ml glycerol and 2 mg/ml phenol, produced highly significantly lower I-Abs (P less than 0.001); (3) insulin glass syringes produced much lower I-Ab levels than in standard polypropylene syringes and (4) polypropylene syringes in a 'sham-infusion' technique, resulted in intermediate levels of insulin antibodies [(P less than 0.02) vs CSII; (P less than 0.005) vs BII]. Our data suggest that insulin immunogenicity is influenced by all four factors tested. We suggest that benefits of CSII therapy may be attenuated unless a best possible control of these factors is achieved.