Injections with structured diabetes education are as good as pumps, trial shows

Adults with type 1 diabetes who use multiple daily injections of insulin achieved similar reductions in HbA_1c and severe hypoglycaemia as those using insulin pumps when both groups were given intensive training in self management, a randomised UK trial has shown.1

Many patients with type 1 diabetes who are treated with multiple daily insulin injections currently struggle to achieve glycaemic targets and can develop serious complications. Continuous subcutaneous insulin pumps deliver fast acting insulin in response to blood glucose levels, but they are more expensive than treatment with daily injections.

Insulin pump use is approved in the UK for type 1 diabetes patients with HbA_1c levels over 8.5% …