Is insulin pump therapy better than injection for adolescents with diabetes?

Abstract

Background and aims: Insulin pump therapy is a commonly used alternative to multiple daily injections (MDI) in the treatment of pediatric type 1 diabetes. The aim of the current study was to examine whether there are different medical and psychosocial outcomes for adolescents using MDI versus pump therapy as experienced in a naturally occurring context of self- or doctor-chosen insulin regimens.

Methods: Adolescents and their parents completed questionnaires assessing quality of life and parenting stress. A1C levels were obtained from the medical record.

Results: Metabolic and psychosocial outcomes did not differ significantly between adolescents using pump therapy and adolescents using MDI. Higher parental stress was associated with older children, lower quality of life, and higher A1C levels.

Conclusions: Physicians might present this information to families along with the potential advantages and disadvantages of pumps and injections.