Provision of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to type 1 diabetes frequent flyers'

A few people with type 1 diabetes undergo multiple hospital admissions for acute glycaemic events. We report on a series of five such 'frequent flyers' who were provided with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. Mean HbA1c decreased from 9.7 +/- 2.5% (83 +/- 27 mmol/mol) to 7.9 +/- 0.4% (63 +/- 4.7 mmol/mol) after 2-4 months. Frequency of admissions for acute glycaemic events reduced in three but increased in two patients within 6 months. Total insulin dose and body mass index decreased in some patients and satisfaction was anecdotally higher. Some, but not all, 'frequent flyers' benefited from a trial of CSII.

Automated summary

This study reports on five patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy. After 2-4 months of treatment, the mean HbA1c level decreased from 9.7% to 7.9%. The frequency of hospital admissions for acute glycaemic events decreased in three patients but increased in two within 6 months. Some patients experienced a decrease in insulin dose and body mass index, and anecdotal evidence suggested increased satisfaction. Not all "frequent flyers" benefited from CSII.