Tubing-Free Insulin Pump System improves glycemic control in diabetic patients

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and The Endocrine Group researchers have concluded that the OmniPod® Insulin Management System significantly improved blood glucose control in diabetes patients who previously received insulin through multiple daily injections. The retrospective study results were published in the latest issue of Infusystems USA, in a study titled, 'Clinical Experience with a Tubing-Free Insulin Pump System.'

Lead investigator, Michael P. Kane, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, reported that study results showed that after one year using the OmniPod System, patients who previously received insulin through multiple daily injections decreased their average A1C levels by 0.49%, a statistically significant difference. A1C levels, also known as HbA1C or glycated hemoglobin levels, measure a patient's average blood glucose control over a sustained period. The study also demonstrated that 25.5% of patients using the OmniPod System reduced their A1C below 7%, compared to 5.7% of patients prior to use of the OmniPod System. The American Diabetes Association recommends most patients keep their A1C levels below 7%.

"This study demonstrates the benefits of a tubing-free insulin pump, which can help patients overcome their fear of insertion sets or unsightly tubing and achieve the clinical benefits of insulin pump therapy," said study investigator Jill M. Abelseth, M.D., FACE of The Endocrine Group. "The high patient acceptance, improved glycemic control and overall safety demonstrated in this study support the use of the OmniPod System for diabetes patients aiming for improved glycemic control."

The OmniPod System was also found to be safe, as there were no significant differences in episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia requiring assistance among patients during the one-year OmniPod System use compared to the year prior to starting therapy. The overall acceptance rate for the OmniPod System in the study was 92.2%.

The study also reviewed 12 patients who switched to the OmniPod System from a conventional insulin pump and showed a reduction in average one-year A1C values by 0.2%. Researchers noted that although this difference was not statistically significant, the results were encouraging and the lack of statistical significance may be attributable to the small sample size of this study. A larger study to evaluate the A1C improvements in this patient population is recommended.