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Volume 307:265-270 July 29, 1982 Number 5 Next

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Abstract

We treated five patients with Type II diabetes by means of a subcutaneously implanted intravenous insulin pump and compared their metabolic response with that observed during conventional insulin therapy. The use of the pump improved control of glycemia, as manifested by reductions in mean plasma glucose (from 188 +/- 46 to 106 +/- 12 mg per deciliter [mean +/- S.D.]), fasting glucose (from 187 +/- 42 to 80 +/- 13 mg per deciliter), and postprandial glucose (from 287 +/- 74 to 182 +/- 29 mg per deciliter), together with a diminution of glycemic excursion and normalization of glycosylated hemoglobin A1 (from 12.1 +/- 2 to 8.0 +/- 1 per cent). At the end of the study the pumps had been in place for a mean of 7.0 months (range, 5.5 to 9.7 months) without mishap and with good patient acceptance. Our data suggest that improved blood glucose control can be achieved by means of a permanently implanted continuous insulin-infusion device in ambulatory patients with Type II diabetes who require insulin, and that the need for daily insulin injections can thereby be eliminated.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Saudek, C. D. (1989). Implantable Insulin Infusion Pumps: A Case Presentation. The Diabetes Educator 15: 44-49  
• Harbaugh, R. E., Reeder, T. M. (1984). Continuous drug delivery by an implantable pump: A system eminently compatible with the philosophy of hospice care. AM J HOSP PALLIAT CARE 1: 17-20