Giulio Frontino

Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy in Very Young Children with Type 1 Diabetes: An Efficacy and Feasibility Observational Study

BACKGROUND Efficacy and feasibility of sensor-augmented pump (SAP) therapy were evaluated in very young children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). SUBJECTS AND METHODS SAP (Dexcom [San Diego, CA] Seven Plus™ usage combined with insulin pump) therapy was retrospectively evaluated in 28 children (15 boys) younger than 7 years (mean age, 5.8 ± 1.2 years; range, 3-7 years), with T1D. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study, as were efficacy and feasibility of the system, using a rating scale (with 3 being the most positive). RESULTS SAP has been used for at least 6 months by 85% of patients, with an overall good satisfaction (92%). The greatest perceived benefit was the reduced fear of hypoglycemia (score of 3, 81%). HbA1c significantly improved only in patients with baseline HbA1c >7.5% (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS SAP therapy is effective and feasible in preschool children with T1D. In patients with high HbA1c at baseline it provide a 0.9% decrease, sustained for at least 6 months.

Recommendations for self-monitoring in pediatric diabetes: a consensus statement by the ISPED

A panel of experts of the Italian Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology comprehensively discussed and approved the Italian recommendations regarding self-monitoring of blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring and other measures of glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. After an extensive review of the literature, we took these issues into account: self-monitoring blood glucose, continuous glucose monitoring, glycemic variability, glycosuria, ketonuria, ketonemia, glycated hemoglobin, fructosamine and glycated albumin, logbook, data downloading, lancing devices, carbohydrate counting, and glycemic measurements at school. We concluded that clinical guidelines on self-management should be developed in every country with faithful adaptation to local languages and taking into account specific contexts and local peculiarities, without any substantial modifications to the international recommendations. We believe that the National Health Service should provide all necessary resources to ensure self-monitoring of blood glucose and possibly continuous glucose monitoring of all children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes, according to the standards of care provided by these recommendations and internationally.

Monogenic Diabetes Accounts for 6.3% of Cases Referred to 15 Italian Pediatric Diabetes Centers During 2007 to 2012

Context An etiologic diagnosis of diabetes can affect the therapeutic strategy and prognosis of chronic complications. Objective The aim of the present study was to establish the relative percentage of different diabetes subtypes in patients attending Italian pediatric diabetes centers and the influence of an etiologic diagnosis on therapy. Design, Setting, and Patients This was a retrospective study. The clinical records of 3781 consecutive patients (age, 0 to 18 years) referred to 15 pediatric diabetes clinics with a diagnosis of diabetes or impaired fasting glucose from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2012 were examined. The clinical characteristics of the patients at their first referral to the centers, type 1 diabetes-related autoantibodies, molecular genetics records, and C-peptide measurements, if requested for the etiologic diagnosis, were acquired. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was to assess the percentage of each diabetes subtype in our sample. Results Type 1 diabetes represented the main cause (92.4%) of diabetes in this group of patients, followed by monogenic diabetes, which accounted for 6.3% of cases [maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), 5.5%; neonatal diabetes mellitus, 0.6%, genetic syndromes, 0.2%]. A genetic diagnosis prompted the transfer from insulin to sulphonylureas in 12 patients bearing mutations in the HNF1A or KCNJ11 genes. Type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 1% of the patients. Conclusions Monogenic diabetes is highly prevalent in patients referred to Italian pediatric diabetes centers. A genetic diagnosis guided the therapeutic decisions, allowed the formulation of a prognosis regarding chronic diabetic complications for a relevant number of patients (i.e.,GCK/MODY), and helped to provide genetic counseling.

Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum: A pediatric case report

Introduction: Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare chronic granulomatous dermatitis that usually appears in the lower extremities. It affects about 0.3–1.2% of diabetic patients, the majority of whom have type 1 diabetes. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disorder are still unclear. NL is characterized by skin rash that usually affects the shins. The average onset is 30 years, with females being affected more commonly. There are very few reported cases of necrobiosis lipoidica in children. Case report: We report a case of a 16 year old girl affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus (15 years disease duration) who developed an erythematous nodular rash on the lower extremities and interscapular area. In the suspect of necrobiosis lipoidica, a skin biopsy was performed (lower extremities and interscapular area). The microscopic evaluation of the pretibial lesions was suggestive of necrobiosis lipoidica. The smaller lesions in the interscapular area showed signs of perivascular dermatitis which could be consistent with early stages of necrobiosis lipoidica. Local treatment with tacrolimus determined a progressive improvement of the lesions. Conclusion: In patients with T1DM, diagnosis of NL of the lower legs is usually unequivocal. However, diagnosis may be more challenging in the presence of lesions with recent onset and/or atypical clinical presentation and unusual site. In these cases, NL must always be taken in consideration in order to avoid misdiagnosis, wrong/late treatment decisions, and progression to ulceration.

Acid-base problems in diabetic ketoacidosis.

This review focuses on three issues facing clinicians who care for patients with diabetic ketoacidosis; all of the issues are related to acid–base disorders. The first issue is the use of the plasma anion gap and the calculation of the ratio of the change in this gap to the change in the concentration of plasma bicarbonate in these patients; the second concerns the administration of sodium bicarbonate; and the third is the possible contribution of intracellular acidosis to the development of cerebral edema, particularly in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. In this article, we examine the available data and attempt to integrate the data with principles of physiology and metabolic regulation and provide clinical guidance.

Advanced Pump Functions: Bolus Calculator, Bolus Types, and Temporary Basal Rates

Over the past decade, technology has considerably changed insulin therapy in children and adolescents. A major improvement in insulin delivery has been achieved with the introduction of insulin pumps (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM). The possibility to use advanced functions within these technological tools (different bolus types, bolus calculator, temporary basal rates) allows the patient to potentially achieve improved glucose control as well as lifestyle flexibility and quality of life.

Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion and Sensor-Augmented Pump Therapy in Children and Adolescents

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy is safe and effective in all age groups of type 1 diabetic patients. It may be elective therapy in neonatal diabetes and in preschool patients. Randomized trials in children and adolescents in CSII therapy have shown a significant improvement in treatment satisfaction without a substantial change in glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Elevated levels of HbA1c not only at the start of CSII, but also during the follow-up, may be an important indicator of pump discontinuation. Sensor-augmented pump therapy (SAP) has a more beneficial effect in reducing HbA1c values, hyperglycemic excursions, and glycemic variability in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Data on the safety and feasibility of SAP in preschool children have also been published. The low glucose suspend (LGS) function and its evolution, the predictive LGS, represent semiautomated processes able to prevent severe hypoglycemic events and extreme glucose fluctuations also in type 1 diabetes children and adolescents.