Wireless Insulin Pump

The management of type 1 is a challenge for many children. "The system is based on full adherence to all steps: glucose testing, giving shots, recording every little thing they eat," says Naomi Neufeld, MD, clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California, Los Angeles. "But it does not always happen, especially when your children are not in your eyes."

The good news is that many innovations are making it easier for children and their parents or guardians, to keep careful control.

Monitors

Wireless blood glucose meters using cell phones or Bluetooth ® technology and store readings can be transmitted to a computer at home or the doctor. The doctor can view the history of your child's blood sugar on a single screen, making it easy to identify trends and problems.

Talk to your doctor about the right device for your child. Some wireless monitors are not approved by the FDA for children, and your insurance may not cover all. Some doctors also use continuous glucose monitor with children, even if it is not approved by the FDA for use with children. This device, which measures glucose levels in the fluid of tissue under the skin, is not a substitute for blood glucose monitor.

Insulin pumps

These portable pumps for continuous administration of insulin may be a boon for children. In one study from the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, children of school age on the pumps themselves monitored more frequently, required less insulin per day had better blood glucose control than those using the standard injection therapy. Studies have shown that children as young as 18 months can use portable pumps efficiently. The pumps provide a baseline level of insulin throughout the day and can be programmed to give similar fast-acting insulin before or immediately after meals. Someone has yet to enter the amount of insulin to administer, and it depends on what the child eats.

Combination of monitoring of pumps

"These devices are most promising for pediatric endocrinologists," says Neufeld. The sense of glucose and pumps automatically adjust insulin. The first model could be available this year.

New ways to administer insulin

For toddlers, the acting insulins are ideal. "At that age, you can not always predict what they will eat," said Neufeld. (Inhaled insulin, which acts quickly, but lasts as long as regular insulin, pending approval for use in children, its effect on the development of lung tissue remains to be determined.)

Endocrinologists are also investigating the treatment of other diseases, in hopes of finding applicable technologies. A new injection pen for growth hormone, for example, records the time and dose of an iPod-like device, "said Mr. Neufeld, 'and there is no reason they could not be used for diabetes. "

Be receptive to technological change, experts say, and ask your doctor to keep you updated. The latest and future devices will not take responsibility for the patient to the equation, but they will make your life and your child's life is easier.
Source: Diabetes Care, November 2006.

Ask the right questions

Thinking about trying a new device? The American Diabetes Association recommends asking your doctor:

* What is the experience of other patients have had with her?
* Have insurance companies covered the costs?
* Are there benefits to a pump over injections?
* What is up injections at a pump?
* Is it clear how much insulin to use with a pump?
* If my child continues insulin, they can affect what she eats and how it performs?
* What type of training will I receive my child?
* What is the frequency of blood glucose should be checked?
* Is it painful?

The latest crop of devices diabetes offer exciting possibilities for control of blood glucose.