The Best Way to Keep Diabetes Under Control Shots or the Pump
For years, the debate on which is the best way to keep diabetes under control shots or the pump has been discussed thoroughly. However, recent researches have indicated that insulin pumps may just be better in keeping blood sugar in desired levels. Two recent studies done in the United States and Australia suggest that insulin pumps are better in controlling blood sugar than insulin shots.
A recent study led by Dr. Richard Bergenstal of the American Diabetes Association points out that using insulin pumps enables people with diabetes to be in better control of their blood glucose levels compared to those who opt for insulin injections. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, involved 485 individuals with type 1 diabetes aged from 7 to 70 years old who have trouble getting their desired blood sugar levels through insulin injections. Half of them were made to check for their blood glucose levels throughout the day. They were then given insulin injections when needed. The other half of the patients used insulin pumps and glucose sensor monitoring devices. In assessing blood sugar control, the study monitored Hemoglobia A1c, with a normal value range of about four to six percent for people without diabetes. People with diabetes need to maintain a level less than seven percent to avoid diabetes complications.
After a year of treatment, patients that were given insulin through pumps registered lower Hemoglobin A1c levels compared to those who were given insulin through injections. The levels of A1c dropped to as much as 7.5% for those who were given insulin through pumps, while those who were given insulin through injections averaged a mere 8.1%. The study also noted that adults who used the pump registered better results compared to the children and teens. The incidence of low blood sugar was almost the same for both groups during the research.
Similar Study in Australia
Another study has been published to back up theory that the best way to control diabetes is through the use of insulin pumps. A research done by Dr. Marie Misso of the Australian Cochraine Center in Clayton Australia noted that insulin pump is a better method because it closely resembles the way a normal functioning pancreas does in secreting insulin, aside from eliminating the inconvenience for diabetics in injecting themselves with insulin every day. The study tapped 976 individuals with type 1 diabetes and they were randomly given with insulin pumps and insulin injections.
Like the study conducted by Dr. Bergenstal, the research of Dr. Misso showed that individuals who used insulin pump had lower Hemoglobin A1c levels compared to those who used insulin shots. This indicates that insulin pumps can result in better blood sugar control in the long run. The study also noted that people using insulin pumps also had lower risks of severe hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. The said study was published in The Cochraine Library publication.
Diabetics are usually the ones who get to benefit the most from such studies that look into the best way to keep diabetes under control shots or the pump. With many results backing up the theory that insulin pumps are better in controlling diabetes, it is becoming apparent that the said method is more effective in controlling blood sugar levels among diabetics.
References
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60J5LX20100121
WebMD: https://diabetes.webmd.com/news/20100721/study-insulin-pump-better-than-injections
