Paediatric type 1 diabetes 2018: Clinical and research insights

Abstract

The management of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes continues to progress as clinical and technological innovations enter into practice. Variability in glucose readings can present a significant challenge for care providers, patients and families alike and recent research demonstrates that insulin selection and site-related lipohypertrophy can significantly influence blood glucose levels. New technology aims to improve both glycemic control and quality of life. New insulin analogues have been developed and insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems continue to evolve toward a fully closed-loop system. While such systems are not yet currently available, incremental features such as ‘low glucose suspend’ are offered. As well, glucose sensors are now available that can be used for insulin dosing while reducing the number of capillary blood sugar checks. This review aims to provide the clinician with an overview of some of these latest aspects of diabetes care for children and adolescents.