Multicenter user evaluation of ACCU-CHEK® Combo, an integrated system for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion

• Published in: Journal of diabetes science and technology Vol. 4; no. 6; pp. 1400 - 1407
• Main Authors: Kerr, David, Hoogma, Roel P L M, Buhr, Andreas, Petersen, Bettina, Storms, Fred E M G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Diabetes Technology Society 01.11.2010
• Subjects: Adult; Biomarkers - blood; Blood Glucose - drug effects; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - drug therapy; Equipment Design; Equipment Safety; Female; Glycated Hemoglobin A - metabolism; Humans; Hypoglycemia - blood; Hypoglycemia - chemically induced; Hypoglycemia - prevention & control; Hypoglycemic Agents - administration & dosage; Hypoglycemic Agents - adverse effects; Infusions, Subcutaneous; Insulin - administration & dosage; Insulin - adverse effects; Insulin Infusion Systems - adverse effects; Male; Middle Aged; Monitoring, Ambulatory - instrumentation; Netherlands; Observer Variation; Original; Patient Satisfaction; Predictive Value of Tests; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 1932-2968; 1932-3107
• DOI: 10.1177/193229681000400615

The aim of this study was to evaluate a newly developed system for insulin delivery incorporating a multifunctional blood glucose meter and a remotely controlled insulin pump (ACCU-CHEK® Combo system) in established pump users with type 1 diabetes. The technology was assessed both from device performance and subject usability perspectives. A multicenter, prospective, single group study was carried out in five centers in the Netherlands and four centers in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months. The study was divided into two phases: Phase 1 (4 weeks) for device validation purposes and phase 2 (22 weeks) to observe the impact of the system on metabolic control, patient satisfaction [using the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ)] and device safety. Eighty subjects completed the planned study period. There were no unexpected device errors. Treatment satisfaction was high at baseline and further increased to study end (DTSQ change version: sum score, 10.6±7.2; scale score range, -18 to +18, p<0.0001). Hemoglobin A1c improved continuously over time, from 7.9% (±0.9%) to 7.7% (±0.8%) at month 3 (p<0.001) and 7.6% (±0.8%) at month 6 (p<0.0001). The frequency of severe hypoglycemia was 0.08 per patient years. There was no case of ketoacidosis. The new system was evaluated by experienced continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion users as safe in daily practice and associated with favorable treatment satisfaction and a modest improvement in glycemic control.