A recent survey confirms the efficacy and the safety of implanted insulin pumps during long-term use in poorly controlled type 1 diabetes patients.

BACKGROUND: This article reports a prolonged trial with insulin pumps implanted in patients with type 1 diabetes showing poor glucose control and a high rate of complications.
METHODS: We reviewed data from 181 patients undergoing implanted insulin pump therapy. Analysis included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values, body weight, and diabetes complications status.
RESULTS: At implantation, the mean age was 43 (range, 19-72) years, mean duration of diabetes was 22.2 (2-52) years, and mean body weight was 68.6 (43-104) kg. The complication status involved retinopathy (62% of patients), neuropathy (34.6%), nephropathy (26%), and cardiovascular disease (14%). Patients' previous insulin treatment regimen was multiple daily injections (17.1%) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (82.9%). HbA1c levels significantly dropped from 7.9 ± 1.2% to 7.6 ± 1.2% after 1 year (P < 0.01) and remained within the range of 7.5-7.6% for up to 5 years. No significant variation of body weight or complications status occurred.
CONCLUSIONS: Implanted insulin pump therapy demonstrates long-term benefits in type 1 diabetes patients who have poor prognosis under intensive subcutaneous treatment.