CURRENT PROBLEMS OF INSULIN PUMP THERAPY

Abstract

The goal of insulin therapy for diabetes mellitus is to mimic physiological insulin secretion and ensure stable normoglycemia while maintaining the highest possible quality of life for patients. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion is believed to be the most effective way to achieve these goals. At the same time, the widespread introduction of this treatment method into clinical practice is limited by certain objective circumstances. The purpose of this study is to analyze data on the efficacy and safety of pump insulin therapy, as well as to identify objective problems and future prospects for the use of this approach in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Materials and methods. We analyzed articles in the archives of specialized publications available on the Internet, as well as using the PubMed and Medline databases for the period from 2002 to 2025.

Results and conclusions. Numerous clinical studies confirm the efficacy and safety of pump insulin therapy, which is manifested in improved glycemic control and a reduction in the incidence of hypoglycemia and episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis. In addition, recent data indicate a reduction in the risk of micro- and macrovascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus in patients using insulin pumps. The use of insulin pumps has a positive effect on the quality of life and adherence of patients with diabetes mellitus to the therapy. The main objective barrier to the widespread introduction of pump insulin therapy into clinical practice is its high cost. Despite the high cost of insulin pumps and the significant operating expenses, most studies based on modelling indicate the long-term cost-effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. Further technological development of systems for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion will undoubtedly contribute to reducing their cost and operating expenses in the future.