Insulin Pumps Prove Beneficial For Young Children

Filed in archive Research on June 6, 2006

Parents of preschool-aged children have plenty to worry about. Not the least of which is choosing the best treatment method. Of course children hate twice daily shots, but would an insulin pump be better? Or would it be dangerous and painful?

Although many adults have used insulin pumps without fear or pain, little research has been done in the area of small children. A recent study may be turning the tide, though.

In their study, researchers found that many of parents' fears, such as their child 'fiddling' with the pump, or experiencing low blood sugar, were largely unfounded.

The researchers conclude that "preschool-aged children receiving care from an actively involved diabetes team with a supportive family can experience improvements in diabetes control with current insulin pump therapy."

There's a good possibility, Berhe said, that "initiating insulin pump therapy at a very young age may also lead to prevention of long term complications of diabetes."

You may want to check out this wonderful site that helps children and parents understand the process: Kids R Pumping.

(Picture Source: Kids R Pumping)