[Current technics in the improvement of insulin treatment]

Circumstantial evidence from clinical observations indicates an association between the degree of blood glucose control and the occurrence of diabetic microvascular complications. Therefore, intensified insulin treatment regimens directed at maintaining blood glucose concentrations in the normoglycemic range have been developed. In the past years, several techniques to facilitate intensified insulin delivery, including insulin pumps and pen injectors, have been invented. The widespread use of these devices necessitates, however, that the patients are properly educated, in order to avoid severe hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis. In the present review, the advantages and shortcomings of these new devices are discussed.