AIMS/OBJECTIVE:

To describe the effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with symptomatic diabetic gastroparesis and unstable glycaemic control.

METHODS:

Data from 26 patients with symptomatic diabetic gastroparesis and unstable glycaemic control using multiple-dose insulin (MDI) regimens, and subsequently managed with CSII, were analysed.

RESULTS:

Following initiation of CSII, the median length of inpatient bed days associated with hospital admissions related to gastroparesis and glycaemic instability was reduced from 8.5 (range 0-144) days patient( -1) year( -1) prior to CSII to 0 (range 0-15) days patient( -1) year( -1). The median HbA(1c) reduction with CSII was 1.8% (22 mmol/mol; p < 0.05). The median capillary blood glucose (CBG) with CSII was significantly lower than with MDI: 7.7 mmol/l (range 3.8-15.4 mmol/l) vs 9.8 mmol/l (range 2.3-27 mmol/l), respectively, p < 0.001. Glycaemic variability with CSII was significantly reduced compared with MDI: CBG CV 0.37 vs CV 0.53, respectively, p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION:

CSII therapy in patients with diabetic gastroparesis results in significant improvement in glycaemic control and reductions in glycaemic variability and number of hospital inpatient bed days.