Summary
Two types of insulin pens MADI and MD, were connected to subcutaneous catheters. These
“catheter-pens” were used like hand-driven insulin pumps. Results after 1 year of
treatment in 30 type 1 diabetics (HCP-negative; age at onset of diabetes 16.5 ± 1.7
years; duration of diabetes 18.5 ± 1.6 years, on multiple insulin injections before
catheter-pen application):
1. better quality of life (reduction of frequency of needle pricks, more flexibility,
inconspicuous application of insulin in public); 2. daily insulin — increased number
of “injections” (4.2 ± 0.1 vs 5.8 ± 0.1, ρ < 0.01), reduction of units per kg BW (0.70
± 0.02 vs 0.60 ± 0.01, ρ < 0.01), reduction of intermediate-acting insulin (14.1 ±
1.3 vs 9.2 ± 1.2 U/d, ρ < 0.05); 3. no change of HbA1 (10.8 ± 0.8 vs 10.2 ± 0.2%, normal range 7.7 to 8.4%), mean blood glucose (MBG) in
stress situation (8.4 ± 0.4 vs 7.7 ± 0.3 mmol/1), serum cholesterol and body weight,
both within normal range; 4. improvement (p < 0.05) of serum triglycerides, serum
HDL-cholesterol, ratio of apolipoprotein A1/B; 5. rare skin reactions at the needle site.
Conclusion. Catheter-pens offer a very convenient alternative for insulin administration
in intensified conventional insulin treatment with multiple injections in type 1 diabetics.
Key words
Type 1 diabetes - Diabetes control - Insulin-pen - Catheter-pen - Intensified conventional
insulin therapy - Quality of life
