Reduced hypoglycemic episodes and improved glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes using insulin glargine and neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a new long-acting basal insulin, insulin glargine (IG), in children with type 1 diabetes. Study design Data from 114 subjects, age 2 to 18 years (mean, 12.2 years; 54 boys, 60 girls), were collected for 9 months before and 9 months after IG treatment. During IG therapy, all subjects received morning neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin (given with insulin lispro; Humalog) to provide daytime insulin coverage. The numbers of nonsevere and severe hypoglycemic events, hemoglobin A1c values, body weight, and daily insulin dose were recorded at each clinic visit.
RESULTS: The mean (+/-1 SEM) frequency of nonsevere hypoglycemic events per week decreased from 2.0+/-0.1 to 1.3+/-0.1 (P<.001). Severe hypoglycemic episodes were reduced from a total of 22 in the 9 months before IG to nine in the 9 months after IG. Severe nocturnal events were similarly reduced from 14 to four episodes. The mean (+/-1 SEM) hemoglobin A1c levels were 9.6+/-0.1% (baseline), 9.4+/-0.1% at 3 months (P=.18), 9.3+/-0.1% at 6 months (P=.03), and 9.3+/-0.1% at 9 months (P=.01).
CONCLUSION: Insulin glargine therapy can reduce hypoglycemic episodes in children and adolescents with suboptimal glucose control without jeopardizing glycemic control.