“Catheter-Pens” - an Alternative to Insulin Pump Treatment?^*)

Summary

Two types of insulin pens MADI and MD, were connected to subcutaneous catheters. These “catheter-pens” were used like hand-driven insulin pumps. Results after 1 year of treatment in 30 type 1 diabetics (HCP-negative; age at onset of diabetes 16.5 ± 1.7 years; duration of diabetes 18.5 ± 1.6 years, on multiple insulin injections before catheter-pen application):

1. better quality of life (reduction of frequency of needle pricks, more flexibility, inconspicuous application of insulin in public); 2. daily insulin — increased number of “injections” (4.2 ± 0.1 vs 5.8 ± 0.1, ρ < 0.01), reduction of units per kg BW (0.70 ± 0.02 vs 0.60 ± 0.01, ρ < 0.01), reduction of intermediate-acting insulin (14.1 ± 1.3 vs 9.2 ± 1.2 U/d, ρ < 0.05); 3. no change of HbA₁ (10.8 ± 0.8 vs 10.2 ± 0.2%, normal range 7.7 to 8.4%), mean blood glucose (MBG) in stress situation (8.4 ± 0.4 vs 7.7 ± 0.3 mmol/1), serum cholesterol and body weight, both within normal range; 4. improvement (p < 0.05) of serum triglycerides, serum HDL-cholesterol, ratio of apolipoprotein A₁/B; 5. rare skin reactions at the needle site.

Conclusion. Catheter-pens offer a very convenient alternative for insulin administration in intensified conventional insulin treatment with multiple injections in type 1 diabetics.

Key words

Type 1 diabetes - Diabetes control - Insulin-pen - Catheter-pen - Intensified conventional insulin therapy - Quality of life