Effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on clinical parameters in patients with different sociodemographic and clinical characteristics

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy. We reported the effects of CSII therapy on some clinical parameters. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty-seven patients using CSII therapy were enrolled in the study. A total of 102 patients were included after 25 cases were excluded due to inadequate data. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were obtained from the hospital database. Results: In our study, no relationship was found between educational level and the effective use of carbohydrate counting and diabetes complications. After switching to CSII therapy, patients’ glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were reduced to 8.2% (5.3–14) at their last visit (p = 0.005). Also, total daily insulin dosage with 48 IU/day (7.3–180) was significantly decreased to 40 IU/day (15–276) after CSII therapy (p = 0.001). CSII therapy was significantly associated with less episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis at the last visit than at the initiation of CSII therapy (p = 0.033). Conclusion: Switching to CSII therapy can improve glycemic control, reduce insulin dosage requirements, and improve patient quality of life by reducing episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis.