Clinical Usefulness of a Bolus Calculator in Maintaining Normoglycaemia in Active Professional Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Treated with Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion

Abstract

This observational study assessed metabolic control in young, active professionals with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with or without the use of a bolus calculator. Eighteen patients aged 19 − 51 years with diabetes duration of 6 − 22 years were included; eight patients used a bolus calculator and 10 did not. Metabolic control was assessed by glycosylated haemoglobin (Hb_A1c) measurements and blood glucose profiles. A continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) was also used by three patients from each group. Mean Hb_A1c and fasting blood glucose levels were not significantly different between the two groups, but mean post-prandial blood glucose was significantly lower in bolus calculator users than non-users. The CGMS showed more blood glucose levels within the target range in bolus calculator users than non-users, but statistical significance was not achieved. In conclusion, a bolus calculator may help to improve post-prandial blood glucose levels in active professional type 1 diabetes patients treated with CSII, but does not have a major impact on Hb_A1c levels.

Keywords

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Insulin Pump Diabetes Blood Glucose Level Post-Prandial Bolus Calculator

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