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Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion system improves quality of life
Adults with type 1 diabetes reported improved quality of life and glycemic control when using a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion system.
William H. Polonsky, PhD, of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute in San Diego, and colleagues evaluated data from the Insulet registry on 1,269 adults (mean age, 40.7 years) with type 1 diabetes using a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion system (Omnipod, Insulet Corp.) to determine the effect of the system on patient-reported quality of life.
“Use of insulin pumps such as the Omnipod may not only positively impact glycemic control, but may also contribute to substantial improvements in patients’ [quality-of-life],” Polonsky told Endocrine Today. “This key element in this [quality of life] benefit is likely an enhanced sense of control over one’s diabetes.”
Participants completed an online questionnaire analyzing perceived quality-of-life changes and glycemic control since beginning treatment with the system.
At baseline, mean HbA1c was 7.4%. Nearly half of participants had used another continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion system before switching to Omnipod (43.7%). The highest level of trust with Omnipod was reported by 71.3%, of participants, whereas 24% reported moderate trust and 4.9% reported “a little” or no trust. Since initiating use with Omnipod, 64.2% of participants reported an improvement in HbA1c; 43% reported a reduction of at least 0.5%.
Positive changes were generally reported for general well-being (53.5%), perceived control over diabetes (72.5%), hypoglycemic safety (50.6%) and diabetes distress (69.6%).
“While past evidence has suggested that insulin pumps may contribute to improved [quality-of-life] for people with type 1 diabetes, there have been few recent studies examining the impact of newer technology on [quality of life],” Polonsky told Endocrine Today. “Future research should address the impact of the differentiating features of insulin pumps on [quality of life] and clinical outcomes. In addition, prospective studies can provide greater insight regarding the impact of insulin pumps overall and the Omnipod System on [quality of life]. Impact of insulin pumps on caregivers and younger patients is also an important area for future research.” – by Amber Cox
For more information:
William H. Polonsky, PhD, can be reached at whp@behavioraldiabetes.org.
Disclosure: Polonsky reports financial ties with Insulet Corp.