Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion: Special needs for children

The Artificial Pancreas and Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes technologies represent a paradigm shift in type 1 diabetes care. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGM) improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, enhance time in optimal glycemic range, limit severe hypoglycemia, and reduce diabetes distress. The artificial pancreas or closed-loop system connects these devices via a control algorithm programmed to maintain target glucose, partially relieving the person living with diabetes of this constant responsibility. Automating insulin delivery reduces the input required from those wearing the device, leading to better physiological and psychosocial outcomes. Hybrid closed-loop therapy systems, requiring user-initiated prandial insulin doses, are the most advanced closed-loop systems commercially available. Fully closed-loop systems, requiring no user-initiated insulin boluses, and dual hormone systems have been shown to be safe and efficacious in the research setting. Clinical adoption of closed-loop therapy remains in early stages despite recent technological advances. People living with diabetes, health care professionals, and regulatory agencies continue to navigate the complex path to equitable access. We review the available devices, evidence, clinical implications, and barriers regarding these innovatory technologies.

One-Year Real-World Study on Comparison among Different Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Devices for the Management of Pediatric Patients with Type 1 Diabetes: The Supremacy of Hybrid Closed-Loop Systems

Since their advent in daily clinical practice, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) systems have been increasingly improved, leading to a high percentage of both adult and pediatric patients with diabetes now using insulin pumps. Different types of CSII systems are currently available, which are characterized by different settings and technical features. This longitudinal observational study aims to evaluate real-word glycemic outcomes in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes using three different CSII devices: hybrid closed-loop (HCL) systems, predictive low glucose (PLGS) systems, and non-automated insulin pumps. The secondary objective was to identify clinical variables that may significantly influence the achievement of therapeutic goals in our study cohort. One-hundred-and-one patients on CSII therapy attending our pediatric diabetes center were enrolled. When compared with the non-automated group, patients using HCL systems showed higher levels of time in target glucose range (p = 0.003) and lower glucose variability (p = 0.008). Similarly, we found significantly better glucose metrics in HCL users in comparison to PLGS patients (time in range p = 0.008; coefficient of variation p = 0.009; time above 250 mg/dL p = 0.007). Multiple linear regression models showed that HCL systems (time in range p < 0.001) and high daily percentage of glycemic sensor use (time in range p = 0.031) are predictors for good glycemic control. The introduction and increasing availability of novel technologies for diabetes represent a promising strategy to improve glycemic control and quality of life in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Our real-world data confirm the superiority of HCL systems in terms of improvement of time spent in the target glucose range, prevention of hypoglycemia, and reduction of glycemic variability.

Use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic mapping review

BACKGROUND

Among the treatments for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) is a device that infuses insulin through the subcutaneous tissue in an uninterrupted manner and that comes closest to the physiological secretion of insulin. The use of CSII can provide the family with greater security and children and adolescents have more autonomy in relation to the treatment of T1DM. There is a lack of reviews that systematically gather the mounting evidence about the use of CSII in children and adolescents with T1DM. Therefore, the aim of this review was to group and describe primary and secondary studies on the use of CSII in children and adolescents with T1DM.

METHODS

A systematic mapping review was performed based on searches in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Lilacs and PsycINFO, using a combination of descriptors and keywords. The screening of the studies was carried out with the aid of the Rayyan software and reading in full was conducted independently by two reviewers. The data extraction of the studies was performed using an extraction tool adapted and validated by researchers specialized in diabetes. The data were analyzed according to the content analysis technique. The map from geocoding of the studies was produced using the ArcGis 10.5 software.

RESULTS

A total of 113 studies were included in the review, including primary studies, literature reviews and gray literature publications. The content analysis of the results of the studies allowed for the identification of four categories: 1) metabolic control; 2) support networks; 3) benefits of using CSII; and 4) challenges of using CSII, each category having its respective subcategories. The review also made it possible to conduct a rigorous mapping of the literature on the use of CSII considering the location of development and the design of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CSII should be indicated by health professionals able to prepare children, adolescents, and their families for the treatment of T1DM, and, despite being a technological device, it may not be suitable for the entire pediatric population.

High Frequency of Dermatological Complications in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes: A Web-Based Survey

INTRODUCTION

Despite advances in the management of type 1 diabetes (T1D), there is an increasing incidence of skin reactions related to diabetes devices such as patch pumps and glucose sensors. Aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of dermatological complications in pediatric patients with T1D using technological devices.

METHODS

Online survey regarding skin reactions related to the use of patch pumps and/or glucose sensors was administered to families of children and adolescents (0-17 years) with T1D. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, duration of diabetes, and clinical features of dermatological complications if present.

RESULTS

Our study population consisted of 139 patients (female 51.8%) aged 11.1 ± 3.3 years. More than half (51.1%) experienced skin reactions due to patch pumps or glucose sensors. Dermatological complications were mainly caused by continuous glucose monitoring (56.3% of total). Timing of appearance of dermatological reactions varied from a few days to several months after the introduction of the device. The application of hypoallergenic barrier bandages was the most frequently adopted measure to solve the issue.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirmed high frequency of dermatological complications among pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Well-designed studies are awaited to provide clear recommendations to minimize the burden of skin issues related to technological devices.

Low-molecular-weight heparin administered by subcutaneous catheter is a safe and effective anti-coagulation regimen in selected inpatient infants and children with complex congenital heart disease

BACKGROUND/HYPOTHESIS

Disadvantages of intravenous therapeutic unfractionated heparin, the first-line anti-coagulant agent in children with complex congenital heart disease, include unpredictable pharmacokinetics requiring frequent phlebotomies and the need for continuous intravenous access.

OBJECTIVE

To compare efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin administered by a subcutaneous indwelling catheter with intravenous unfractionated heparin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical data from 31 inpatients prospectively enrolled to receive subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin were compared with those from a historical group of 44 inpatients receiving intravenous unfractionated heparin. Investigation of parents' satisfaction by telephone survey.

RESULTS

The percentage of anti-factor Xa levels outside therapeutic range was lower in the subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin group compared with the percentage of activated partial thromboplastin times outside therapeutic range in the intravenous unfractionated heparin group (40% versus 90%, p < 0.001). Neither group had a major complication. Transient local reactions occurred in 19% of patients of the subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin group. The number of needle punctures and that of placement of indwelling catheters were significantly lower in the subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin compared with the intravenous unfractionated heparin group (p < 0.001). In total, 84.2% of parents in the subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin group reported a positive experience when asked about comparison with prior intravenous unfractionated heparin treatment.

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin offers a safe anti-coagulation regimen for children with complex congenital heart disease providing more efficient therapeutic anti-coagulation and a reduction in needle punctures, thus causing less pain and anxiety in this children.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of Current Tubeless Pumps for Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

Background: Recently two new tubeless pumps for insulin therapy were introduced. They were tested for accuracy and occlusion detection and compared with the established patch pump Omnipod^® (OP). Methods: Using a modified setup for tubeless pumps based on IEC 60601-2-24, the basal rate and bolus delivery of the Accu-Chek^® Solo micropump system (ACS) and the A6 TouchCare^® System (A6) were measured with a microgravimetric method. Bolus sizes of 0.2, 1, and 10 U, and basal rates of 0.1 and 1 U/h were evaluated in nine repetitions. For each parameter, mean deviation and number of individual boluses or 1-h basal rate windows within ±15% from target were calculated. In addition, occlusion detection time at basal rates of 0.1 and 1 U/h was determined. Results: Mean deviation of boluses of different volumes in the pumps ranged from -3.3% to +4.0% and 40%-100% of individual boluses were within ±15% of the target. During basal rate delivery, 48% to 98% of 1-h windows were within ±15% of the target with a mean deviation between -5.3% and +6.5%. In general, considerable differences between pump models were observed and deviations decreased with increasing doses. In most parameters, ACS was more accurate, and A6 less accurate, than OP. Mean occlusion detection time ranged from ∼3 to 7.5 h at 1 U/h and was >24 h or absent at 0.1 U/h. Conclusions: In this evaluation, significant differences between the tested tubeless pump models were observed that became most evident when regarding delivery errors over short time and small volumes.

Accuracy assessment of bolus and basal rate delivery of different insulin pump systems used in insulin pump therapy of children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is commonly used in patients with diabetes. Accurate and reliable delivery by insulin pumps is essential for a safe and effective therapy, particularly when using small doses. In this study, accuracy of bolus and basal rate delivery of various available insulin pumps was evaluated.

METHODS

In total, 13 insulin pump systems were tested: eight durable pumps with different infusion sets and one patch pump. Based on IEC 60601-2-24, insulin delivery was measured by recording weight gain of a beaker into which insulin was infused by the pumps. Bolus accuracy was determined by individually weighing 25 consecutive 0.1 or 1.0 U boluses and basal rate accuracy was determined during basal rate delivery of 0.1 or 1.0 U/h for 72 hours. For analyses, basal rate delivery was divided into 1-hour windows and deviation from target was calculated.

RESULTS

Regarding different systems, average 0.1 U bolus delivery was -2% to +9% of the intended volume with 53% to 96% of boluses within ±15% of target. During 0.1 U/h basal rate delivery, most pumps showed an initial over-delivery for the first few hours. Three systems reached a total basal rate error <5%; others showed up to +24%. In general, delivery was more accurate when using larger doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable differences in insulin delivery accuracy were observed between the tested pumps. In general, when using very low doses, accuracy of insulin delivery is limited in most insulin pumps. This should be considered for CSII therapy in children.

All Insulin Pumps Are Not Equivalent: A Bench Test Assessment for Several Basal Rates

Background and Aims: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is a widely adopted treatment for type 1 diabetes and is a component of an artificial pancreas. CSII accuracy is essential for glycemic control, however, this metric has not been given sufficient study, especially at the range of the lowest basal rates (BRs), which are commonly used in a pediatric population and in closed-loop systems (CLSs). Our study presents accuracy results of four off-the-shelf CSII systems using a new accurate method for CSII system evaluation. Materials and Methods: The accuracy of four off-the-shelf CSII systems was assessed: Medtronic MiniMed 640G^®, Ypsomed YpsoPump^®, Insulet Omnipod^®, and Tandem t:slim X2^®. The assessment was performed using a double-measurement approach through a direct mass flow meter and a time-stamped microgravimetric test bench combined with a Kalman mathematical filter. CSII accuracy was evaluated using mean of dose error. Mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of error was calculated at different observation windows over the whole series of tests. Peakwise insulin deliverance was assessed regarding stroke regularity in terms of frequency and volume. Results: Mean error values indicate a general tendency to underdeliver with up to -16%. MARD of error shows very wide results for each pump and each BR from 7.4% (2 UI/h) to 61.3% (0.1 UI/h). Peakwise analysis shows several choices for BR adaptation (frequency for Omnipod, volume for Tandem, both for YpsoPump and MiniMed 640G). Precision in interstroke time appears to be better (standard deviation [SD] at 0.1 UI/h: 4.6%-12.9%) than stroke volume precision (SD at 0.1 UI/h 38.3%-46.4%). Conclusions: The accuracy of four off-the-shelf CSII systems is model and BR dependent. CSII imprecision could be due to a variability in volume and/or frequency of strokes for every pump. Some models appear better adapted for the smallest insulin needs, or for inclusion in a CLS. The clinical implications of these delivery errors on glucose instability must be evaluated.

Concept and Implementation of a Novel Patch Pump for Insulin Delivery

With the motivation to provide a small and discreet patch pump that complies with several customer needs, the recently CE-marked Accu-Chek® Solo micropump system was designed. The system consists of a tubeless insulin pump wirelessly controlled by the so-called diabetes manager. Via diabetes manager, basal rates and boluses are programmed; an integrated blood glucose meter and bolus calculator supports users in bolusing and offers several diary functions. The micropump features a quick bolus button for bolus initiation directly on the pump and is complemented by a disposable reservoir holding up to 200 U of rapid-acting insulin. The assembled pump is attached to the body via a pump holder containing soft cannula. The modular principle enables independent replacement of the single components if necessary.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus management in young children: implementation of current technologies

The use of advanced technologies for diabetes management is on the rise among pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII), continuous glucose monitoring, predictive low glucose suspend, hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery systems-all enable better diabetes management and glycemic control. However, when used by children, and especially very young children, specific aspects must be taken into consideration, including technical parameters, ease of use, parental stress, and satisfaction. The unique characteristics of T1D in children aged <6 years are reviewed and studies of the pros and cons of different technologies in this specific age group are presented. Addressing such issues when implementing advanced technologies among very young children with T1D will enable better diabetes management and will hopefully ease a tremendous burden of both children and families.

Assessment of Safety and Glycemic Control During Football Tournament in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes-Results of GoalDiab Study

PURPOSE

To assess glycemic control and safety of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes participating in a 2-day football tournament.

METHODS

In total, 189 children with type 1 diabetes from 11 diabetes care centers, in Poland, participated in a football tournament in 3 age categories: 7-9 (21.2%), 10-13 (42.9%), and 14-17 (36%) years. Participants were qualified and organized in 23 football teams, played 4 to 6 matches of 30 minutes, and were supervised by a medical team. Data on insulin dose and glycemia were downloaded from personal pumps, glucose meters, continuous glucose monitoring, and flash glucose monitoring systems.

RESULTS

The median level of blood glucose before the matches was 6.78 (4.89-9.39) mmol/L, and after the matches, it was 7.39 (5.5-9.87) mmol/L (P = .001). There were no episodes of severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis. The number of episodes of low glucose value (blood glucose ≤3.9 mmol/L) was higher during the tournament versus 30 days before: 1.2 (0-1.5) versus 0.7 (0.3-1.1) event/person/day, P < .001. Lactate levels increased during the matches (2.2 [1.6-4.0] mmol/L to 4.4 [2.6-8.5] mmol/L after the matches, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Large football tournaments can be organized safely for children with type 1 diabetes. For the majority of children, moderate mixed aerobic-anaerobic effort did not adversely affect glycemic results and metabolic safety.

Kalman Filter-Based Novel Methodology to Assess Insulin Pump Accuracy

Background: Insulin pump or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) system is a widely adopted contemporary treatment for type 1 diabetes and is a major component of an artificial pancreas (AP). CSII accuracy is essential for glycemic control and to-date such metric has not been given sufficient study, especially at the range of the lowest basal rate. The gold-standard assessment method IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) 60601-2-24 has some limitations. Our study presents a new accurate and reactive method for CSII system evaluation based on direct flow measurement. Materials and Methods: A leading-edge assessment method based on a double measurement approach utilizing a direct mass flow meter and a time-stamped microgravimetric bench test was combined with a Bayesian-based mathematical filter (Kalman). The performance of this new method was evaluated while assessing the delivery precision of an off-the-shelf insulin pump at several basal rates. The proposed methodology offers a double reading-volume and flow rate-which provides direct instantaneous flow rate. CSII dose errors were evaluated using mean absolute relative dispersion (MARD) at different time intervals windows over the whole test. Results: The metrological aspect of the measurements and filtering performance were consistent. CSII precision is shown to be different in terms of the flow rate value: MARD_15min (2 UI/h) = 12.7%, MARD_15min (0.5 UI/h) = 20.4%, and MARD_15min (0.1 UI/h) = 65.0%. MARD_240min (2 UI/h) = 8.1%, (0.5 UI/h), MARD_240min (0.5 UI/h) = 18.8%, and MARD_240min (0.1 UI/h) = 18.4%. Instantaneous flow rate results highlight an irregular stroke-based delivery. Conclusion: This new method to assess insulin pump administration has been validated and highlights the current imprecision in insulin delivery, especially for the lowest basal rate, which is mainly used in pediatric cases and AP system delivery. This leading-edge method should be used to precisely compare several CSII performances in those contexts.

[Insulin pump therapy in children, adolescents and adults, guidelines (Update 2019)]

This position statement is based on current evidence available on the safety and benefits of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy (CSII, pump therapy) in diabetes with an emphasis on the effects of CSII on glycemic control, hypoglycaemia rates, occurrence of ketoacidosis, quality of life and the use of insulin pump therapy in pregnancy. The current article represents the recommendations of the Austrian Diabetes Association for the clinical praxis of insulin pump treatment in children, adolescents and adults.

Comparative Dose Accuracy of Durable and Patch Insulin Pumps Under Laboratory Conditions

Background: Recent studies demonstrate variable results of the accuracy with which patch pumps infuse insulin. Aim of this evaluation was to measure dose accuracies of the patch pump mylife™ OmniPod^® (OP) in comparison with the durable insulin pump MiniMed^® 640G (MM) simulating real-life clinical situations under laboratory conditions. Methods: Thirty-two OP and 15 MM were tested using insulin aspart at five different boluses (0.5, 1, 5, 10, and 15 international units [IU]) and three basal rates (0.2, 0.6, and 1.8 IU/h) at different time points during a 70 h investigation period. Owing to malfunctions only 22 OP and 11 MM could be analyzed. Dose accuracy was measured by an experimental setting based on IEC 60601-2-24:2012 with determination of weight differences of insulin collection tubes before and after experiments using a precision scale. A maximal tolerance of ±5% for boluses and basal rates was considered adequate according to IEC 60601-2-24:2012. Results: For the five boluses, the percentages of measurement results within the ±5% accuracy threshold were as follows: OP (18.6%, 26.5%, 89.0%, 96.0%, and 96.0%); MM (21.7%, 44.1%, 88.1%, 98.3%, and 100.0%). Both pumps were more accurate at higher bolus volumes (5, 10, and 15 IU), later bolus periods, and if the accuracy threshold was lowered to <10%, <15%, or >15%. For the three basal rates, the percentages within the ±5% accuracy threshold were as follows: OP (66.7%, 22.7%, and 16.7%); MM (14.3%, 0.0%, and 0.0%). Conclusion: This study demonstrates low accuracy for basal rates and single bolus deliveries at low insulin doses for both pump models. Clinicians should be aware of this variability when initiating insulin pump therapy especially in insulin-sensitive patients with low insulin dose requirements.

Home Use of Day-and-Night Hybrid Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery in Very Young Children: A Multicenter, 3-Week, Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery in children with type 1 diabetes aged 1-7 years as well as evaluate the role of diluted insulin on glucose control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In an open-label, multicenter, multinational, randomized crossover study, 24 children with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy (median age 5 years [interquartile range 3-6] and mean ± SD HbA_1c 7.4 ± 0.7% [57 ± 8 mmol/mol] and total insulin 13.2 ± 4.8 units/day) underwent two 21-day periods of unrestricted living and we compared hybrid closed-loop with diluted insulin (U20) and hybrid closed-loop with standard strength insulin (U100) in random order. During both interventions, the Cambridge model predictive control algorithm was used.

RESULTS

The proportion of time that sensor glucose was in the target range between 3.9 and 10 mmol/L (primary end point) was not different between interventions (mean ± SD 72 ± 8% vs. 70 ± 7% for closed-loop with diluted insulin vs. closed-loop with standard insulin, respectively; P = 0.16). There was no difference in mean glucose levels (8.0 ± 0.8 vs. 8.2 ± 0.6 mmol/L; P = 0.14), glucose variability (SD of sensor glucose 3.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.4 mmol/L; P = 0.16), or the proportion of time spent with sensor glucose <3.9 mmol/L (4.5 ± 1.7% vs. 4.7 ± 1.4%; P = 0.47) or <2.8 mmol/L (0.6 ± 0.5% vs. 0.6 ± 0.4%; P > 0.99). Total daily insulin delivery did not differ (17.3 ± 5.6 vs. 18.9 ± 6.9 units/day; P = 0.07). No closed-loop-related severe hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrestricted home use of day-and-night closed-loop in very young children with type 1 diabetes is feasible and safe. The use of diluted insulin during closed-loop does not provide additional benefits compared with standard strength insulin.

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Characteristics in Type 1 Diabetes Children and Adolescents in Qatar

AIM

To describe continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) characteristics in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) children and adolescents using a standardized protocol in routine clinical settings in Qatar.

METHODS

A total of 138 T1DM patients (62 males; 76 females; mean age 9.8 ± 3.4 years) with a mean diabetes duration of 2.4 ± 1.9 years initiated CSII (MiniMed^® Veo^®™ and MiniMed^® 640 G insulin pumps; Medtronic, Northridge, CA, USA) in 2016 and 2017. CSII characteristics and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were evaluated 1 year after treatment initiation.

RESULTS

At 1 year after treatment initiation, the insulin dose had significantly increased (from 0.59 ± 0.23 to 0.74 ± 0.26 U/kg body weight per 24; P < 0.05), and the HbA1c level had significantly decreased (from 9.7 ± 1.3 to 8.1 ± 0.6%; P < 0.05). More than 92% of patients used the Bolus Wizard feature of the insulin pump at the following settings: insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio 19.2 ± 9.3 g; insulin sensitivity factor 131 ± 68 mg/dl; target range 91 ± 9.3-135 ± 14.2 mg/dl; active insulin time 3.8 ± 0.8 h.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that CSII may significantly improve glucose control in T1D children and adolescents who use a standardized protocol. A reduction of HbA1c by - 1.6% was achieved at 1 year after CSII initiation. These results need to be confirmed in a study with a longer duration.

Diabetes in Childhood and Adolescence

BACKGROUND

The incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in childhood and adolescence is steadily rising and now stands at 22.9 new cases per year per 100 000 persons up to age 15.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective literature search, with special attention to the current German S3 guideline on diabetes in childhood and adolescence.

RESULTS

Polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss are the characteristic presenting symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The acutely presenting patient needs immediate stabilization because of the danger of rapid metabolic decompensation (risk of keto - acidosis, 21.1%). Long-term insulin therapy can be delivered either by subcutaneous injection or by an insulin pump. The goals of treatment are the near-normalization of glucose metabolism (HbA1c <7.5%), the avoidance of acute complications (hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis), the reduction of diabetes-specific sequelae (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia), unrestricted participation in age-appropriate everyday activities, and normal physical and psychosocial development. Children and adolescents with diabetes need individualized treatment with frequent adjustments and holistic overall care so that these goals can be effectively met.

CONCLUSION

Every physician must be able to diagnose the initial presentation of diabetes and to initiate the first steps in its management. The patient should be referred as soon as possible to a diabetes team that has experience in the treatment of children and adolescents.

Type 1 Diabetes and Long-Term Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Therapy: A 10-Year Experience from Macedonia

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy is a challenge for both patients and healthcare providers. The long-term CSII use is scarce. The aim of this study is to describe the impact of CSII therapy for 10 years of use at our center.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study includes 162 type 1 diabetes patients using CSII for >3 years during October 2004 until October 2014. Data were collected through the electronic medical record system, cross-sectional analysis (telephone, e-mail, or social media), and CSII reports generated by Carelink Therapy Management Software (Medtronic, Northridge, CA).

RESULTS

Patients were analyzed in three age groups: 12-18, 19-24, and >25 years. All patients were treated with CSII for >3 years. Total daily dose of insulin was >0.9 U/(kg·day) in age group 12-18 years old, which was significantly higher than other two age groups (P < 0.05). Basal ratio was lower in younger age (<40%) and showed trend of increasing with age and longer diabetes duration (up to 44%). Younger patients used bolus wizard on regular basis (>75%), which was significantly higher than other age groups (P < 0.05). More than 50% of patients achieved glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7.0% and >70% of patients achieved HbA1c <7.5%. HbA1c level significantly changed from baseline in all groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows improved glucose control in long-term CSII users. A reduction of HbA1c levels by -1.1% was maintained during the study period.

Challenges of Diabetes Management in Toddlers

Toddlers with type 1 diabetes have distinctive combination of challenges to their families and healthcare providers. A major factor is the difficulty in achieving metabolic control without risking hypoglycemia. The rising incidence of type 1 diabetes in toddlers increases the magnitude of the problem and creates a greater need for providing specialized service to cater for this age group's unique need. Type 1 has a specific disease nature in younger children and its clinical presentation mimics common childhood diseases. Symptoms and signs in the newly presented toddler with diabetes might be unspecific causing diagnosis to be missed or delayed. With the low cognitive ability and immature communication, toddlers might not be able to express their ill-feeling resulting from hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia fear is common, which aggravates stress and reduces adherence to strict metabolic control. Nocturnal hypoglycemia is more common in toddlers and can be undiagnosed unless continuous glucose monitoring is used. Insulin administration and adjustment can be challenging due to pain, fear, refusal, and frequent intercurrent illness. Glucose monitoring is crucial. However, it can be distressing to the child and difficult to adhere to due to commitment or financial reasons. Insulin pump therapy is proven to be an effective and a safe method of treatment for toddlers, but it requires intensive training, resources, and long-term support. Provision of multidisciplinary team with special expertise in managing toddlers with diabetes is essential. Providing more physiological insulin regimes and customized technology is required to improve treatment compliance and diabetes control.