Recent advances in insulin treatment of children

Since the findings of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial became public in 1993, intensive insulin therapy has been recommended for all children. However, successful implementation remains a challenge because of developmental, physiological and cultural, as well as practical issues specific to the pediatric population. This article reviews the different insulin regimens that are currently available, from the short- and intermediate-acting insulins to the newer insulin analogs, focusing on insulin therapies that attempt to provide a more physiologic basal-bolus approach to treatment. More and more children are on multiple daily injection regimens or using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion to achieve better metabolic control. The achievement of optimal glycemic control in children is complicated by their variability in eating habits and activity levels and perhaps more importantly by the risk of hypoglycemia. The hope is that new technologies including continuous subcutaneous glucose monitoring and perhaps a closed-loop system in the near future will help us achieve more optimal glycemic targets in children without increased side effects. In addition, continuous glucose monitoring may teach us better ways to use insulin in children who do not have the technology available to them.