title: A primer on the use of insulin pumps in adolescents.
abstract: Optimal metabolic control to minimize long-term complications is a major treatment goal for adolescents with diabetes mellitus. Reaching this goal is extremely challenging in this population due to unique physiological changes and psychosocial variables that affect metabolic control. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) may be an excellent treatment alternative for selected adolescents to help overcome some of these challenges. CSII allows for minute insulin changes at variable times throughout the day, providing greater lifestyle flexibility. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of insulin pump therapy in adolescents. Specific strategies regarding screening, initiation, and maintenance of this therapy are described, and case examples are used for illustration. Implications for nursing practice and diabetes education are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut (Ms Boland and Dr Grey)
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Boland
authors.affiliation: Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut (Ms Ahem)
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ahern
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut (Ms Boland and Dr Grey)
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grey
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D015190:Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care
chemical_list: D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin