Ontario health technology assessment seriesOct 18, 2012

Using Insulin Pump Therapy for Adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: An Evidence Review

Updated Apr 2, 2026

Abstract

Four randomized controlled trials indicated a statistically significant reduction in glucose variability for patients using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) pumps compared to multiple daily injections (MDI).

In two studies, CSII pumps demonstrated a slight reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of 0.35% and 0.22% compared to MDI.
One study reported a larger reduction in HbA1c of 0.84% among patients with poor glycemic control, though this result was not clinically significant.
Three of four studies reported a statistically significant reduction in mean daily blood glucose for CSII pump users, but these findings were not clinically meaningful.
Glucose variability was significantly reduced in all four studies for patients using CSII pumps, with one study showing significant reduction only at the morning time point.

Simplified

In June 2008, the Medical Advisory Secretariat began work on the Diabetes Strategy Evidence Project, an evidence-based review of the literature surrounding strategies for successful management and treatment of diabetes. This project came about when the Health System Strategy Division at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care subsequently asked the secretariat to provide an evidentiary platform for the Ministry's newly released Diabetes Strategy.After an initial review of the strategy and consultation with experts, the secretariat identified five key areas in which evidence was needed. Evidence-based analyses have been prepared for each of these five areas: insulin pumps, behavioural interventions, bariatric surgery, home telemonitoring, and community based care. For each area, an economic analysis was completed where appropriate and is described in a separate report.To review these titles within the Diabetes Strategy Evidence series, please visit the Medical Advisory Secretariat Web site, http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/mas/mas_about.html,DIABETES STRATEGY EVIDENCE PLATFORM: Summary of Evidence-Based AnalysesContinuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Pumps for Type 1 and Type 2 Adult Diabetics: An Evidence-Based AnalysisBehavioural Interventions for Type 2 Diabetes: An Evidence-Based AnalysisBARIATRIC SURGERY FOR PEOPLE WITH DIABETES AND MORBID OBESITY: An Evidence-Based SummaryCommunity-Based Care for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes: An Evidence-Based AnalysisHome Telemonitoring for Type 2 Diabetes: An Evidence-Based AnalysisApplication of the Ontario Diabetes Economic Model (ODEM) to Determine the Cost-effectiveness and Budget Impact of Selected Type 2 Diabetes Interventions in Ontario

Using Insulin Pump Therapy for Adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: An Evidence Review

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You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

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