Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the effects of continuous insulin infusion pumps compared with multiple injection and conventional insulin therapy in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Authors' recommendations: We found good evidence that intensive insulin therapy improves glucose control and reduces microvascular complications compared with conventional treatment in people with uncomplicated and poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus, although absolute risk reductions associated with treatment are likely to be greater in those with higher baseline risk. However, intensive treatment is associated with increased risk of severe hypoglycaemic episodes and ketoacidosis. We found limited evidence to compare insulin pumps with multiple insulin injection. Limited evidence suggests that insulin pumps may improve glucose control but increase the risk of ketoacidosis compared with multiple injection. We found no evidence to compare insulin pumps and multiple injections for chronic diabetic complications.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Bazian Ltd, Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development