Additional Basal Rates Used in Insulin Pump Therapy Does Not Improve A1C in Adult Patients with Type 1 Diabetes

• Published in: Canadian journal of diabetes 2012-02, Vol.36 (1), p.25-26
• Main Authors: Tildesley, Hugh D., MD, Chan, Jeremy H.M., BA, Mazanderani, Adel B., BSc, Wright, Anthony M., BHK, Tildesley, Hamish G., BA, Pottinger, Betty, RN
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: basal rates; Diabète de type 1; Débits de base; Endocrinology & Metabolism; insulin pump therapy; Other; Traitement par pompe à insuline; type 1 diabetes
• ISSN: 1499-2671; 2352-3840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2012.01.004

Abstract Objective To determine whether, in adult patients with type 1 diabetes using an insulin pump, there is a statistically significant difference of the mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C) levels between patients utilizing a different number of basal rates. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review from 2008 to 2011 of patients on insulin pump therapy. One hundred sixty-eight patients who had had type 1 diabetes mellitus for at least 2 years and had been on pump therapy for at least 3 months were studied. Results We found no statistically significant difference of mean A1C values between patients utilizing a different number of basal rates (p=0.21). Conclusion There does not appear to be a relationship between the number of basal rates prescribed and outcome as measured by A1C in adult patients with type 1 diabetes on insulin pump therapy. In a large proportion of patients (38%), a single basal rate was as effective as multiple basal rates as measured by A1C values.