In a presentation at the American Diabetes Association’s 2015 Scientific Sessions, Dianne Fetchick, MD and Rosemarie Lajara, MD, endocrinologists with Diabetes America in Plano, TX, shared results of their use of the V-Go insulin pump with their patients.  The V-Go pump is a small 2.4 x 1.3 x 0.5-inch disposable manual insulin delivery device.  The device delivers 20, 30, or 40 units of basal insulin evenly over a 24-hour period, and the wearer can deliver mealtime bolus insulin in two units per click increments.

For individuals who are unwilling to give themselves multiple daily injections, this may be an alternative. Two studies were reported at the meeting: 72 patients—most of whom had Type 2 diabetes—had been switched from multiple daily injections (39); basal insulin only (24); or oral glucose-lowering medications (9).  The analysis of their electronic medical record showed a decrease in A1C levels.  At baseline, A1C levels were on average 9.6% at 88 days.  A1C decreased to 7.9% at 177 days—a decrease of 7.6%, and at 279 days—7.7%.  Patients who had been on basal insulin alone or noninsulin agents had the greatest reduction in A1C—1.9 and 3.5 percentage points from their baselines of 9.8% and 10.9%.  Patients who had already been taking insulin who used the V-Go reduced their total insulin usage by 20.5%.