[Intensified insulin therapy by multiple injections or by pump].

A relationship exists between metabolic control and the development of late complications of diabetes. Recently, new strategies of insulin therapy have been developed to normalize blood glucose control, with a view to preventing late complications of diabetes and increasing patients' well-being. Intensified insulin therapy can be performed by multiple insulin injections or by continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with a pump; regular self-monitoring of blood glucose is mandatory with these types of treatment. Results obtained with both forms of insulin therapy are comparable, although in some cases pump treatment is superior. Intensified insulin therapy is principally aimed at young, motivated and compliant diabetic patients without advanced complications, and at diabetic women before and during pregnancy. The potential risks of intensified insulin therapy are reviewed.