Reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin following 6 months of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion in an Indian population with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment regimen for insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes is multiple daily injections (MDI) of insulin, but continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with an insulin pump offers more flexibility and the possibility of a reduced total daily insulin dose. Few studies have investigated CSII for type 2 diabetes, and none has focused on an Asian Indian population.

METHODS

Subjects with type 2 diabetes who were previously using MDI were switched to CSII. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, and total daily insulin dose were recorded at baseline (MDI) and after 6 months of CSII. Subjects were also asked to rate their satisfaction with CSII and the treatment's interference in their daily activities after 6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 46 subjects received CSII. Mean HbA1c was reduced by 0.5% after 6 months. This outcome was statistically significant (P < 0.0063; 95% confidence interval, 0.161-0.921%). There was no statistically significant change in body weight or total insulin daily dose. Subjects reported high satisfaction with CSII and low interference with daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Six months of CSII in Asian Indian subjects with type 2 diabetes resulted in a statistically and clinically significant change in HbA1c.