Insulin Pump Superior to Insulin Injection for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Insulin pump therapy was associated with lower rates of severe hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis and better glycemic control compared with insulin injection therapy in a pediatric population.

Nearly half of children with type 1diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are now treated with insulin pump therapy. Conflicting data exist about the safety and efficacy of pump therapy compared with frequent insulin injections.

In a multinational, population-based study in Europe, researchers prospectively compared safety and efficacy outcomes in approximately 10,000 children, adolescents, and young adults (aged <20 years) with T1DM receiving insulin therapy and an equal-sized, propensity-matched cohort receiving ≥4 daily doses of injected insulin. The overall mean age was 14 years and minimum disease duration was 1 year (median, 4 years).

After a follow-up of 12 months, results were as follows:

Rates of severe hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic coma, ketoacidosis…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

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Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)