EFFECTS OF INTENSIFIED INSULIN THERAPY REGIMENS ON GLYCEMIC PROFILE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH TYPE I DIABE-TES MELLITUS

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a serious condition, which can be life threatening if left untreated. It is well known that both types of diabetes, when not adequately controlled, are associated with various complications and poor quality of life. In type I diabetes mellitus, treatment is primarily performed by insulin administration. The various treatment regimens are aiming at optimally controlling sugar levels, preventing complications, facilitating patients' daily lives and improving their quality of life. Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare insulin administration with a continuous subcutaneous infusion or pump (CSII), to multiple daily insulin injections (MDI), regarding their efficacy in achieving normoglycemia and also improving quality of life, in patients with type I diabetes mellitus. Method:  The methodology of this study was a literature review of the last 10 years, and was carried out in Pubmed's international database, by using keywords such as: Multiple Daily Insulin Injections, Quality of Life, Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion. Results: A total of 103 studies were found, of which 10 were used. 7 studies concluded that the pump improves patients' quality of life and achieves better glycemic control over the regimen (MDI). In contrast, 1 study showed a generally poor quality of life, although patients were satisfied with the pump use, while 1 study emphasized that good glucose values could be maintained with the regimen (MDI). Finally, 1 study found no significant differences in patients' quality of life between the two groups. Conclusions: It seems that continuous infusion of pumped insulin is a more ideal choice for achieving good glucose levels, thereby improving the quality of life in patients with type I diabetes, compared to the multiple insulin injections regimen.