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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
[Diabetes treatment in children: intensive therapy is not always best]
Renske Oegema1, Petra Schram, Roos Nuboer
1Meander Medisch Centrum, Amersfoort, The Netherlands.
Insights
Intensive insulin therapy for pediatric diabetes can be challenging. Adjusting treatment intensity and providing support improved patient outcomes and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Intensive insulin therapy, following the 1993 Diabetes Complications and Control Trial, is standard for pediatric insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
- This approach aims to reduce long-term diabetes complications through methods like insulin pumps or four daily injections.
Observation:
- Three adolescents (two 16-year-old girls, one 12-year-old boy) found intensive therapy inadequate.
- Contributing factors included limited parental support and the presence of an eating disorder.
Findings:
- Modifying treatment to a 2- or 3-times daily insulin regimen led to significant improvements.
- Patients experienced better HbA1c levels and enhanced overall well-being.
Implications:
- Individualized treatment intensity is crucial for pediatric diabetic patients.
- Additional support, such as home care nursing, can further aid patient management and outcomes.
Abstract:
Since the 'Diabetes Complications and Control Trial' results were published in 1993, intensive insulin therapy has been the standard treatment for paediatric patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This therapy significantly lowers the risk of long term complications of diabetes. The intensive therapy occurs by either continuous insulin infusion via a pump or a 4-times daily injection regime. In three young patients--two girls of 16 and a boy aged 12 years--the intensive treatment option appeared to be inadequate due to a variety of factors including lack of parental support and an eating disorder. All patients were put on a 2 or 3-times daily regime, which resulted in great improvements to their HbA1c levels and sense of well being. To the boy and one of the girls, extra support was given by a home care nurse. We recommend an individualized approach to the paediatric diabetic patient when it comes to the degree of intensity of the treatment.
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