INTRODUCTION: Rigorous glycaemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) minimises rates of acute and chronic diabetes complications. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy has been reported to improve glycaemic control and quality of life.
AIMS: This study aimed to examine the relevance of gender on the uptake, use, treatment satisfaction and quality of life experience with CSII therapy.
METHODS: T1DM patients on CSII therapy were recruited from the Royal Melbourne and Wimmera Base Hospitals, and private Endocrinologists over a three-month period. They completed a questionnaire regarding reasons for pump initiation, details of training, perceived benefits and disadvantages, and impact on quality of life. Quantitative data regarding clinical outcomes, including HbA1c, lipid profile, urinalysis and complication status, were obtained through database and patient records.
RESULTS: Results are available on 120 patients (33 male, 87 female) with an age range of 19-73 years. Mean duration of pump use is 6.5 and 7.7 years for male and female patients respectively. Data will be analysed further in terms of location (metropolitan vs rural) and type of care (public vs private) with a particular focus on gender comparison.
CONCLUSION: This study will enhance our understanding of the impact and effectiveness of CSII use, will provide previously unreported information about the effects of gender on pump utilisation and will inform policy development and clinical practice related to CSII use in the Australian healthcare setting.