Implanted constant basal rate insulin infusion devices for Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients

A multi-phase study was undertaken to compare the metabolic effect on unstable Type 1 diabetic patients of optimized conventional treatment with that of external or implantable insulin delivery devices. External units were programmed to simulate implantable constant basal rate insulin infusion pumps with additional insulin doses given by subcutaneous injection or delivered by the pump. The study was continued using external devices with an optimal, meal-adjusted insulin profile simulating programmable, remote-controlled, implantable devices. Such good metabolic control was achieved using the constant insulin infusion, supplemented by two subcutaneous injections of insulin daily, that it justified the implantation of constant rate pumps in five Type 1 patients. Patients with the implanted devices achieved a near-normal life style, experienced significantly fewer hypoglycaemic reactions and had significantly improved glycosylated haemoglobin A1 and mean blood glucose values.