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.