Key elements for successful intensive insulin pump therapy in individuals with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Objective: Clinical trials have demonstrated that in individuals with type 1 diabetes the use of CSII pump resulted in better glucose control. Advantages of pumps therapy include many features such as the bolus calculators (wizard). These features are optional and therefore it is important to determine whether their use is associated with better glucose control. Thus, the aim of this analysis was to assess which features and parameters of insulin pump use are associated with better glucose control.

Methods: Data regarding consecutive patients with type 1 diabetes treated with an insulin pump and attending a tertiary referral for intensive glucose control was included in this analysis. The relationship between glycemic indices and treatment parameters (number of insulin units, number of glucose readings, bolus calculator use etc.) was assessed.

Results: A statistically significant relationship was found between glycemic indices and wizard use. Thus, individuals that used the wizard function in 50% of their boluses had an A1C, mean blood glucose values that were 0.6% (p=0.008) and 25mg/dL (p=0.000) lower respectively.

Conclusion: The use of the bolus calculator feature was associated with better glucose control. Larger prospective clinical trials are needed in order to further validate this finding.