Metabolic control is not altered when using indwelling catheters for insulin injections

To determine if the use of indwelling catheters for insulin injections affects the long- and short-term metabolic control of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Sixteen children and adolescents 9-20 years of age were included in a randomized 10-week crossover study using indwelling catheters (Insuflon, Pharma-Plast, Lynge, Denmark; CHRONIMED, Minnetonka, Minnesota) for insulin injections. Their diabetes duration was 7.5 +/- 3.3 years (range 2-14), and they used multiple injection therapy with 4-5 doses/day. C-peptide was < or = 0.15 nM fasting and < or = 0.30 nM postprandial.

We found no significant difference between those with and without Insuflon in degree of metabolic control reflected by HbA1c (with Insuflon, 7.3 +/- 2.6%; without, 7.1 +/- 2.2%), 24-h profiles of blood glucose and free insulin, 24-h samples of glucosuria, or ketonuria. Weight, insulin doses per kilogram per 24 h, and insulin antibodies were all the same in the two groups.

The long- and short-term metabolic control of IDDM was not altered by the use of indwelling catheters for insulin injections. Insuflon can be offered as an alternative to patients with IDDM who find regular injections uncomfortable.