Effects of Alternate Insulin Pump Settings in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes During Ramadan: A Randomized Pilot Study

Background: Various studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of using insulin pumps during Ramadan; some of them demonstrated favorable outcomes in reducing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. However, there is no consensus on the recommendations for basal insulin adjustments and the utilization of technical features of insulin pumps to improve glycemic control. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effects of different insulin pump settings on time in range in patients with type 1 diabetes during Ramadan. Methods: In this randomized pilot study, 30 patients classified to have low to moderate risk for fasting were assigned to either a control group to receive basal insulin adjustments only or an intervention group to use the temporary basal rate and extended bolus features in addition to the basal insulin modifications. The percentage of time spent at different glucose ranges was measured by continuous glucose monitoring. Results: The percentage of time spent within target (70-180 mg/dL) increased significantly in the intervention group from 63.0 ± 10.7 to 76 ± 16.2% (mean difference, 27% points; P < .001). The percentage of time spent in hyperglycemia level 1 (>180 mg/dL) and level 2 (>250 mg/dL) met the criterion of significance, indicating that the intervention group spent less time in hyperglycemia. However, there was no significant difference in the percentage of time spent in hypoglycemia ranges. Conclusions: Incorporating technological approaches of pump therapy with clinical practice guidelines could improve glycemic control during Ramadan.

Diabetes technologies for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes are highly dependent on coverage and reimbursement: results from a worldwide survey

IntroductionTo study healthcare professionals’ (HCP) perceptions on decision making to start insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems in pediatric type 1 diabetes.Research design and methodsAn electronic survey supported by the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) was disseminated through a weblink structured as follows: (1) HCP’s sociodemographic and work profile; (2) perceptions about indications and contraindications for insulin pumps and (3) for CGM systems; and (4) decision making on six case scenarios.Results247 responses from 49 countries were analyzed. Seventy per cent of respondents were members of ISPAD. Most of participants were women over 40 years old, who practice as pediatric endocrinologists for more than 10 years at university/academic centers and follow more than 500 people with type 1 diabetes. Although insulin pumps and CGMs are widely available and highly recommended among respondents, their uptake is influenced by access to healthcare coverage/insurance. Personal preference and cost of therapy were identified as the main reasons for turning down diabetes technologies. Parental educational level, language comprehension and income were the most relevant socioeconomic factors that would influence HCPs to recommend diabetes technologies, while gender, religious affiliation and race/ethnicity or citizenship were the least relevant.ConclusionsResponders seem to be markedly supportive of starting people on diabetes technologies. However, coverage/insurance for devices holds the biggest impact on the extent of their recommendations.

Trading Vulnerabilities: Living with Parkinson’s Disease before and after Deep Brain Stimulation

Implanted medical devices—for example, cardiac defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, and insulin pumps—offer users the possibility of regaining some control over an increasingly unruly body, the opportunity to become part “cyborg” in service of addressing pressing health needs. We recognize the value and effectiveness of such devices, but call attention to what may be less clear to potential users—that their vulnerabilities may not entirely disappear but instead shift. We explore the kinds of shifting vulnerabilities experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who receive therapeutic deep brain stimulators to help control their tremors and other symptoms of PD.

Review of Modern Insulin Pumps and the Perioperative Management of the Type 1 Diabetic Patient for Ambulatory Dental Surgery

The use of continuous insulin pump systems for effective management of glycemic control in the patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is steadily increasing. Although the types of devices and their respective manufacturers vary, insulin pumps all utilize similar underlying concepts based on the delivery of exogenous insulin to patients with T1DM in manners that more closely approximate the normal biologic function and performance of the pancreas. As insulin pumps becomes more commonplace and their use more widespread, the sedation or anesthesia provider must ensure familiarity with the basic knowledge of pump function and the various perioperative management considerations. This review provides a concise overview of the pathophysiology of T1DM, introduces foundational aspects of common insulin pump systems, and discusses several general recommendations regarding the perioperative management of insulin pumps during dental surgeries.