Date of Award

2012

Document Type

Campus Access Dissertation

Department

College of Nursing

Sub-Department

Nursing Science

First Advisor

Stephanie Burgess

Abstract

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is a form of diabetes that results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas subsequently causing a lack of insulin and leading to increased blood and urine glucose (Cihakova, 2001). Type 1 diabetes has increased at an alarming rate in very young children (Weinzimer et al., 2004). The disease is fatal unless treated with insulin of which subcutaneous injection is the most common and oldest method of administration. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) via insulin pump therapy has provided patients and families with a delivery method that addressed challenges of metabolic control and hypoglycemia (Fuld, Conrad, Buckingham, & Wilson, 2010).

The purpose of this project is to answer the question: Does continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion provide better glycemic control than subcutaneous insulin injections in preschool children as evidenced by improved glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) levels and fewer hypoglycemic episodes? In order to accurately answer this question a review of the scientific literature analyzing subcutaneous injection therapy and CSII's effects on HbA1C and hypoglycemia was performed. The recommendations for clinicians providing care to pediatric patients and their families affected by Type 1 diabetes mellitus will determine the best practice protocol for treatment.

Rights

© 2012, Meredith D'Agostino

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