Benefits of using pump and sensor technology confirmed
Results from one of the largest studies of new diabetes management systems shows that using a combination of insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor results in significantly better long term blood glucose control compared to people using insulin injections alone.
Whilst it has long been known that insulin pump therapy can provide both a physical and psychological benefit to users, results from the recent Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy for A1C Reduction trial (otherwise known as STAR 3) have shown that using an insulin pump in combination with a continuous glucose monitor can significantly reduce blood sugar fluctuations.
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, results showed that all patients using the sensor-augmented system demonstrated a reduction in mean A1C levels that was four times greater than patients using insulin injections alone. This lower A1C result was sustained throughout the year of the trial.
An important additional result highlighted by the researchers was that the reduction in average blood glucose levels was not associated with an increased incidence of hypoglycemia.
One of the key steps to the development of an effective ‘artificial pancreas’ is the successful pairing of insulin delivery with blood glucose measurement. This research, in combination with the exciting results being obtained by the JDRF Artificial Pancreas Consortium, show that using a combination system enables users to better manage their glucose levels, even when eating, exercising or sleeping. Ultimately this will result in reduction of long-term complications and hypoglycemia and an increase in quality of life.
The Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy for A1C Reduction trial was sponsored by Medtronic and involved JDRF-funded researchers across the US.
now we just have to get the government to subsidise the consumables for the sensor and make them more affordable.
Just remember that when we go to the Polls tomorrow that the Liberal Party have committed to the CTN. There has been no such commitment from the Labor Party, although up to 10,000 emails have been forwarded to the PM and the Minister for Health Nicola Roxon. We are fighting for our children and they deserve to be heard by Government. After all, they did not ask for Type 1. They need as much support as possible in their daily lives. It is too late for my daughter who died at the age of 32 due to complications, but it is not too late for our children suffering type 1. Please keep lobbying Govt. I urge you to do so.
As the mother of a daughter with type 1 for 20 years I have just changed my vote after reading this . Diabetes is hard enough without haveing the additional financial burdon which superior diabetic care dictates
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I have just returned from our endocrine Professor appointment for my 18 year old son, elated at the thought of a continuous blood glucose monitor/pump. Most thankfully we have the funds to support obtaining one, however with what the government hands out money for – it makes me shake my head in disgust. I wonder if any of these politicians have anyone close to them, that has to deal with the continuous ordeal of maintaining good health as a diabetic!!!! I would do anything to make my son's life easier
I have just been using a CGM as I was having a period of instabiity. It had meant I felt more in control as there was definate pattern to my highs and lows. Before this I was feeling totally out of control which is very dishaeartening after 34 yrs of type 1. What can we do to get the CGM sensors on the NDSS? A united effort may help. Any ideas from any one?