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Updated: Jun 22, 2026
12:08
Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion versus multiple daily injections
P Karagianni1, Ch Sampanis, Ch Katsoulis
1Diabetes Centre, 2nd Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokratio General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. pdkkara@gmail.com
Hippokratia
|June 30, 2009
Summary
Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) significantly reduced hypoglycaemic events and HbA1c in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus patients after six months. Patients on Multiple Daily Insulin Injections (MDI) experienced increased hypoglycaemias, indicating CSII
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Diabetes Management
Background:
- Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) and Multiple Daily Insulin Injections (MDI) are primary strategies for managing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM).
- The comparative efficacy and patient satisfaction between CSII and MDI remain subjects of ongoing research and clinical debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of CSII versus MDI in achieving glycemic control in T1DM patients.
- To evaluate patient-reported satisfaction with CSII therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 34 T1DM patients (17 on CSII, 17 on MDI), matched for key demographic and clinical characteristics.
- Evaluation of Glucosylated Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), hypoglycemia frequency, Body Mass Index (BMI), and total daily insulin dose at baseline and after 6 months.
- CSII group completed a satisfaction questionnaire assessing treatment motives, benefits, drawbacks, and overall experience.
Main Results:
- The CSII group demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c (8.4% to 7.3%) and monthly hypoglycemic episodes (16.2 to 8.7) after 6 months.
- Conversely, the MDI group experienced an increase in monthly hypoglycemic episodes (2.8 to 10.8) while maintaining HbA1c levels.
- CSII therapy led to a significant decrease in total insulin requirements (49.4 to 39.0 units/day) with high patient satisfaction and no discontinuations.
Conclusions:
- CSII therapy is effective in reducing hypoglycemic events and improving glycemic control (HbA1c) in T1DM patients compared to MDI.
- Despite higher baseline hypoglycemia in the CSII group, the therapy resulted in fewer events and lower insulin needs over 6 months.
- Patient satisfaction with CSII was high, driven by improved flexibility and freedom, though minor issues with device function were noted.
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