Insulin pumps use in Greece: Efficacy and safety data from 140 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) regarding glycaemic control and quality of life in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), who were previously treated with multiple daily injections (MDI).

Patients and methods: 140 patients with T1DM [mean age 33.7 ± 22.1 years; 54 males, 76 females, 10 children; duration of diabetes 19.1 ± 8.4 years; total daily insulin usage while on MDI (IU/day) 57.86 ± 15.32; HbA1c at the beginning of CSII treatment 8.67 ± 1.54%] were included in the study. HbA1c, glucose levels, BMI, severe hypoglycemic and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes were recorded and compared to the data prior to CSII introduction. The evaluation of the quality of life was assessed with a self-questionnaire adjusted from the SF-12 and diabetes quality of life (DQoL) questionnaires.

Results: HbA1c was reduced from 8.67 ± 1.54 to 6.85 ± 0.52% (p < 0.001). This reduction was independent of age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and diabetes duration. Daily insulin requirements were lower at the end of the follow-up (36.40 ± 12.20 IU/day) compared with the needs during enrolment (57.86 ± 15.32 IU/day) (p < 0.001). BMI presented no significant alterations. Ten (10) severe hypoglycemic episodes were recorded but the overall rate was decreased by 71.5% (p < 0.001). Only 3 cases of ketoacidosis were recorded. Quality of life parameters were remarkably improved.

Conclusions: This study provided evidence that CSII treatment was superior to MDI for patients with T1DM in Greece. CSII offered a safe, effective alternative to MDI, while improving glycaemic control, side-effects and quality of life.