Aims
To investigate the pattern of changes in HbA1c in people with Type 1 diabetes managed by long‐term Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
Methods
We studied HbA1c changes using computerized clinic records in 35 adult people with Type 1 diabetes and an elevated HbA1c (≥ 64 mmol/mol, 8.0%) on multiple daily insulin injections, who were then switched to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for at least 5 years.
Results
We identified three subgroups with similar baseline HbA1c but different long‐term responses to pump therapy: group A—those with improvement followed by deterioration (57%); group B—those with improvement that was sustained throughout the 5 years (31%); and group C—those where HbA1c did not change significantly from baseline (12%). The patients in group C had a higher BMI: 31.0 ± 5.2 vs. 25.9 ± 3.3 vs. 25.2 ± 3.1 kg/m2 (group C vs. group A and group B; P = 0.02).
Conclusions
Improved glycaemic control with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion was maintained over 5 years by 88% of people with Type 1 diabetes in this study, but there were variations in the long‐term efficacy, with some people improving and worsening, others maintaining strict control and a few subcutaneous insulin infusion ‘non‐responders’.