[The diabetic child and the specifics of insulin therapy]

Abstract

The incidence of diabetes type I has increased considerably in young children with an annual increase in Switzerland of 23,8% over the last ten years. The development of rapid acting and long acting analogues allowed a significant progress in treatment. Multiple daily insulin injections together with carbohydrate counting as well as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) improved the quality of life and led to an increased daily flexibility. The incidence of severe hypoglycaemic events has decreased at the same time metabolic control improved. The development of interstitial glucose measurement (online) coupled to the insulin pump represents a step further towards the artificial pancreas. The new therapeutic strategies of immunomodulation will hopefully lead to secondary and tertiary prevention of diabetes.