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Call for more insulin pumps

06/12/2007

A greater number of people with diabetes should have access to insulin pumps as they are more effective than traditional injections, a charity claims today.

Diabetes UK says current access to insulin pumps in the UK is patchy, with just over two per cent of people with type one diabetes using pumps compared to 15 to 20 per cent in the US and Germany.

The charity estimates that 50,000 people in the UK are eligible for insulin pumps but do not have access.

Although the pumps cost £1,400 compared to the £500 insulin injections, Diabetes UK says greater use of the pumps would save the NHS money in the long term as complications related to diabetes would fall.

Its calls follow a study published in the journal Diabetic Medicine which found that insulin pumps are more effective than traditional insulin injections at improving blood glucose control and reducing hypoglycaemic episodes.

After two years of insulin pump therapy blood glucose levels fell from 7.9 to 7.3 per cent - good blood glucose levels are between 6.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent.

Uncontrolled glucose levels in people with diabetes can lead to complications including blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and amputations.

"The main conclusion of our work is that although pump therapy may not be available for everyone who suffers from the condition, there is a subset of patients who could benefit the most," said researcher Dr Ignacio Conget.

Simon O'Neill, director of care, information and advocacy at Diabetes UK, commented: "This research is more evidence that insulin pumps could benefit many more people with diabetes.

"Although pumps are not recommended for all people who manage their diabetes with insulin, it would be beneficial for many including those with type two diabetes.

"Diabetes UK urges [the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence] to take account of this new research and enable those suitable for pump therapy to move towards achieving good blood glucose control when it publishes new guidance in 2008."