Sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy: results of the first randomized treat-to-target study.

Author(s): Hirsch IB, Abelseth J, Bode BW, Fischer JS, Kaufman FR, Mastrototaro J, Parkin CG, Wolpert HA, Buckingham BA

Affiliation(s): University of Washington Medical Center-Roosevelt, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. ihirsch@u.washington.edu

Publication date & source: 2008-10, Diabetes Technol Ther., 10(5):377-83.

Publication type: Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of a device that combines an insulin pump with real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), compared to using an insulin pump with standard blood glucose monitoring systems. METHODS: This 6-month, randomized, multicenter, treat-to-target study enrolled 146 subjects treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion between the ages of 12 and 72 years with type 1 diabetes and initial A1C levels of >or=7.5%. Subjects were randomized to pump therapy with real-time CGM (sensor group [SG]) or to pump therapy and self-monitoring of blood glucose only (control group [CG]). Clinical effectiveness and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: A1C levels decreased (P<0.001) from baseline (8.44+/-0.70%) in both groups (SG, -0.71+/-0.71%; CG, -0.56+/-0.072%); however, between-group differences did not achieve significance. SG subjects showed no change in mean hypoglycemia area under the curve (AUC), whereas CG subjects showed an increase (P=0.001) in hypoglycemia AUC during the blinded periods of the study. The between-group difference in hypoglycemia AUC was significant (P<0.0002). Greater than 60% sensor utilization was associated with A1C reduction (P=0.0456). Fourteen severe hypoglycemic events occurred (11 in the SG group and three in the CG group, P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A1C reduction was no different between the two groups. Subjects in the CG group had increased hypoglycemia AUC and number of events during blinded CGM use; however, there was no increase in hypoglycemia AUC or number of events in the SG group. Subjects with greater sensor utilization showed a greater improvement in A1C levels.