Research in Sweden has shown that people with type 1 diabetes who use insulin pump therapy face almost 50% less risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who take insulin by multiple daily injections.
Based on the National Diabetes Register, researchers monitored 18,168 Swedes with type 1 diabetes from 2005-2012. The 2,441 users of the insulin pump had a lower risk of dying from cardio-vascular disease than the daily injection group.
Dr. Isabelle Steineck of Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden believes that one reason for the difference between the two therapies is that “insulin pump method is accompanied by more extensive patient training and more frequent blood glucose monitoring. Also previous studies have shown that the insulin pump can reduce the frequencies of severe hypoglycaemic episodes.”
The researchers concluded that insulin pumps not only make life easier for patients, but represent a safe and effective treatment method.
Dr. Anna Clarke said “this is great news for people with type 1 diabetes. In Ireland, we now need to ensure that services are provided that enable everyone with type 1 diabetes to access insulin pump therapy if they choose too. Diabetes Ireland is continuing to advocate for this level of service.”