Continuous glucose monitoring and pumps

Background: While multiple daily insulin injections remains the state-of-the-art treatment for type 1 diabetes, continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) has become increasingly popular in recent years. Up to 40% of people with type 1 diabetes in younger age groups are now using CSII. Very recently, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has been developed. This technology now has proven benefits in HbA1c and hypoglycaemia reduction. Objective: This article reviews the use of insulin pumps and CGM in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Discussion: The combination of CSII and CGM has added benefits and we are heading rapidly towards a closed-loop system, or artificial pancreas. Patients likely to benefit from these technologies include those with frequent severe hypoglycaemia or poor glycaemic control despite good compliance and education. Given the rapid rise in the development of these technologies, it is important that primary care clinicians are aware and able to discuss these technologies with potential candidates.