In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to investigate how safe and effective fast-acting insulin aspart (faster aspart) is compared to insulin aspart (NovoRapid, NovoLog) when used in a continuous insulin pump in type 1 diabetes (T1D). The main finding was that faster aspart is a safe and effective option in a continuous insulin pump for these patients.
Some background
The treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D) includes a combination of long-acting insulin and fast-acting insulin. Long-acting insulin, also known as “basal” insulin keeps glucose levels down during periods of fasting. Fast-acting insulin is used at mealtimes. It prevents blood glucose from spiking after eating. One type of fast-acting insulin is Insulin Aspart (Iasp).
Recently, a newer fast-acting insulin called faster aspart has been developed. It is absorbed into the bloodstream quicker than the traditional IAsp. Faster aspart has also shown to have a better early-glucose lowering effect than IAsp.
Insulin can be delivered by a continuous insulin pump (CIP). The safety and efficacy of faster aspart, when used in a CIP, is still not known.
Methods & findings
This study included 472 patients with T1D using a CIP. They were randomly assigned to receive either faster aspart or Iasp for 16-weeks.
After 16 weeks of treatment, faster aspart was similar to Iasp in regards to change in HbA1c (blood test measuring average blood glucose level over past 3 months). Faster aspart was better than Iasp in reducing the 1-hour after meal blood glucose level. There was no difference in the rate of hypoglycemia (blood sugar going dangerously low) between the two groups.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that faster aspart is a safe and effective method for CIP treatment in T1D.
The fine print
This study is funded by Novo Nordisk A/S, the developer of both faster aspart and Iasp. This study only lasted for 16 weeks. Longer-term studies are still needed.
Published By :
Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Date :
Dec 09, 2018
