A recent study conducted at the University of Gothenburg has revealed that modern insulin pumps significantly improve blood sugar control in adults with type 1 diabetes. These advanced devices, known as Advanced Hybrid Closed Loop (AHCL) systems, continuously monitor blood sugar levels and use specialised algorithms to automatically deliver insulin, ensuring better blood sugar regulation.
How Hybrid Pumps Work
AHCL pumps deliver insulin through a thin cannula inserted into subcutaneous fatty tissue, providing round-the-clock blood sugar management. This modern technology has been available in Sweden for several years and has shown promising results in improving treatment outcomes for type 1 diabetes patients.
Study Findings
The study, published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, involved 142 adults with type 1 diabetes from six diabetes clinics in Sweden. Participants, averaging 42 years old, had been using AHCL pumps for over 18 months.
The results showed a substantial improvement in blood sugar regulation. Patients using the hybrid pumps had their blood sugar levels within the target range (3.9–10 mmol/L) for 71.5% of the time on average, compared to 57% before using the device. This equates to an additional three and a half hours per day within the optimal range.
Reduced Risk
Time spent with dangerously low blood sugar levels decreased from 0.7% to 0.3%, with no increase in severe hypoglycemic episodes. Improved blood sugar management is critical in reducing the risk of long-term organ damage associated with diabetes.
High Patient Satisfaction
Participants in the study reported high satisfaction with AHCL pumps, scoring an average of 14.8 out of 18 in a survey comparing their experiences with previous diabetes treatments.
Challenges and Future
Despite the success of the treatment, some patients experienced skin reactions to the adhesive used in the infusion sets and sensors, highlighting the need for more skin-friendly materials.
Researchers emphasise the potential for further improvements in blood sugar control as these devices become more widely adopted. Larger studies are also needed to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy.
The study was conducted independently of the companies that manufacture the pumps, MiniMed™ 780 G and Tandem® t:slim X2™ with Control IQ™.
Hybrid insulin pumps represent a significant advancement in type 1 diabetes management, offering improved blood sugar control, reduced complications, and high patient satisfaction. As the technology evolves, it holds the promise of even better outcomes for diabetes patients worldwide.
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