Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion vs. multiple daily injections

Intensive insulin therapy should be proposed for most type 1 diabetic patients. It can be achieved by a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) or by multiple daily injections (MDI). Debate remains regarding the optimal delivery of such therapy. To compare the efficacy of glycemic control, hypoglycemia frequency, dose of insulin and weight in the type 1 diabetic patients, after switching from MDI to CSII. In this retrospective study we analyzed HbA1c, profiles of blood glucose, weight, dose of insulin and hypoglycemia, 6 months before and 6 months after the initiation of CSII, in 18 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose control is considerably improved during CSII, as measured by HbA1c and mean blood glucose concentrations. Fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose and also of glycemic variability were significantly lower. The total insulin doses during the CSII period were significantly lower. There was a small non significant increase in weight during CSII. There was a significant decrease in a number of mild hypoglycemic events, a small non significant decrease of asymptomatic hypoglycemia and a small non significant increase of nocturnal hypoglycemia. CSII provides significant improvement of blood glucose control with lower risk for hypoglycemia.