Type 1 Diabetes:Management Strategies

Andrew Smith, MD, and Chelsea Harris, MD, Lawrence Family Medicine Residency Program, Lawrence, Massachusetts

There is considerable benefit of tight glucose control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Tight blood glucose
control dramatically decreases the incidence of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Although glycemic
goals should be individualized, most nonpregnant adults should strive for an A1C level less than 7%. Greater
frequency of glucose monitoring and continuous glucose monitoring are both associated with lower A1C levels.
The choice to monitor glucose levels via multiple daily capillary blood samples or
continuous glucose monitoring is based on cost and patient preference. Inten-
sive insulin treatment is recommended with a combination of multiple mealtime
bolus and basal injections or with continuous insulin infusion through an insulin
pump. The option to administer insulin with multiple daily injections vs. a pump
should be individualized. Adjunctive medical therapy is under investigation but is
not currently recommended. All patients with type 1 diabetes should partici-pate
in diabetes self-management education and develop individualized premeal

Illustration by Jennifer Fairman

insulin bolus plans under the guidance of a dietitian, if possible. Blood pres-sure
and lipid control are important to prevent cardiovascular disease events. Patients
with type 1 diabetes should have sick-day plans and be able to identify
warning signs of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. Advances in diabetes care, including the bionic pancreas and the closed-
loop system of glucose monitoring with an automated insulin pump, may have a significant effect on type 1 diabetes care in the years
ahead. (Am Fam Physician. 2018;98(3):154-162. Copyright © 2018 American Academy of Family Physicians.)

The benefit of tight glucose control in patients with glycemic control reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
type 1 diabetes mellitus is well established.1-4 Microvascular by 42% and severe cardiovascular events (nonfatal myo-
complications (e.g., neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy) and cardial infarction, stroke, or death from cardiovascular
macrovascular complications (e.g., myocardial infarc-tion, disease) by 57% over 11 years among patients with type 1
cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular disease– related diabetes.3 Long-term follow-up of the Diabetes Control and
deaths) are dramatically decreased when glucose levels are
maintained as close to the nondiabetic range as possible. 4 The
numbers needed to treat with intensive ther-apy (A1C of WHAT IS NEW ON THIS
approximately 7% vs. 9%) for a 10-year period to prevent TOPIC: TYPE 1 DIABETES
progression of retinopathy and clinical neurop-athy are 3 and
1.5, respectively.2 Additionally, intensive Long-term follow-up of the Diabetes Control and Complica-tions
Trial shows that the benefit of early, aggressive insulin therapy
and intensive glycemic control persists for several decades
after treatment and is associated with a decrease in all-cause
Additional content at https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0815/
mortality.
p154.html.
CME This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for A well-designed double-blind randomized controlled trial of adults
continuing medical education (CME). See CME Quiz on with type 1 diabetes who were taking metformin did not show
page 149. significant improvement in glycemic control. The poten-tial
cardiovascular disease benefit remains under investigation.
Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations.
Patient information: A handout on this topic, written by the In September 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
authors of this article, is available at https://www.aafp.org/ approved the first combination glucose monitoring and auto-
afp/2018/0801/p154-s1.html. mated insulin delivery device, a hybrid closed-loop system.

154
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 TYPE 1 DIABETES
SORT:KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Evidence
Clinical recommendation rating References

In persons with type 1 diabetes mellitus, self-monitoring C 8 The newer practice of continuous
blood glucose levels more frequently is recommended glucose monitoring, used by approxi-
because it leads to improved A1C levels.
mately 17% of persons with type 1 dia-
Basal-bolus insulin regimens are recommended for most C 14 betes, can also achieve tight glycemic
persons with type 1 diabetes. control.9 With this method, a sensor
The decision to administer insulin via multiple daily C 16 inserted into the subcutaneous tissue
injections or insulin pump can be individualized in per- measures interstitial glucose levels
sons with type 1 diabetes;neither method appears to be in real time and transmits them to a
universally more effective.
receiving device and monitor (Figure 1).
In persons with type 1 diabetes, adjunctive treatment with C 25 The effectiveness of continuous glucose
metformin for improved glycemic control is not advised. monitoring devices depends on adher-
Regular education regarding sick day management and C 35, 37
ence and does not completely eliminate
hypoglycemia should be provided to all persons with the need for capillary testing, which is
type 1 diabetes. still required for device calibration and
to confirm abnormal levels.
A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence; B = inconsistent or limited-qual-
ity patient-oriented evidence; C = consensus, disease-oriented evidence, usual practice, Compared with conventional
expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, go self-monitoring, continuous glucose
to https://www.aafp.org/afpsort.
monitoring has been associated with
improved glycemic control.10 One
randomized controlled trial demon-
Complications Trial shows that the benefit of early, aggres- strated a reduction in A1C levels from approximately 7.6%
sive insulin therapy and intensive glycemic control persists to 7.1% over six months in persons 25 years or older with
for several decades after initiation of treatment. Although type 1 diabetes who used continuous glucose monitoring,
the exact pathophysiologic explanation for prolonged compared with traditional self-monitoring of blood glu-
improved outcomes remains unclear, there is a decrease in cose at least four times daily.11 Data do not show a defin-
all-cause mortality.5 itive reduction in overall severe hypoglycemic events, but
continuous glucose monitoring alarm features and trend
Glycemic Goals alerts can notify patients and caregivers to expeditiously
Tight glycemic control remains the standard of care for most administer treatment.12 The significant increase in cost
patients with type 1 diabetes. The American Diabetes Asso- associated with continuous glucose monitoring needs to
ciation recommends an A1C goal of less than 7% for non- be considered when an individual is choosing between glu-
pregnant adults (Table 1).6 Despite the benefits of lower A1C cose monitoring approaches.13
levels, goals should be personalized to account
for individual preference, history of severe hypo-
glycemia, older age, and frailty. Higher glycemic TABLE 1
targets for older adults or those with functional
impairments, multiple comorbidities, or limited Suggested Glycemic Goals from the American
life expectancy are advisable.7 Diabetes Association
A1C < 7%*
Self-Monitoring
Preprandial glucose level:80 to 130 mg per dL (4.4 to 7.2 mmol per L)
There is a strong association between more fre-
Peak postprandial glucose level†:< 180 mg per dL (10.0 mmol per L)
quent self-monitoring of blood glucose and
lower A1C levels.8 The conventional approach, *—More stringent A1C levels (i.e., < 6.5%) may be considered if preconception/
pregnant or at low risk of hypoglycemia. Less stringent A1C levels (i.e., < 8%) may
practiced by approximately 83% of patients with be considered if history of severe hypoglycemia, limited life expectancy, advanced
type 1 diabetes, is to monitor glucose levels via microvascular or macrovascular complications, extensive comor-bidities, or long-
capillary blood testing.9 Testing is advised before standing diabetes that is difficult to control despite diabetes self-management
education, appropriate glucose monitoring, and medications.
meals, before exercise, before bedtime, occasion- †—Measured one to two hours after the beginning of the meal.
ally postprandially, and anytime hypoglycemia is
Adapted with permission from American Diabetes Association. 6. Glycemic targets:
perceived.6 Although the optimal number of Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes–2018. Diabetes Care. 2018; 41(suppl
daily tests should be individualized, using these 1):S60.
indications corresponds to six to 10 tests per day.

August 1, 2018 ◆ Volume 98, Number 3 www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 155
 TYPE 1 DIABETES

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

Glucose sensor
Monitor
and transmitter
Infusion set

Insulin pump

Typical continuous glucose monitor.

Illustration by Dave Klemm

Insulin Therapy
Consensus guidelines recommend intensive treatment with
a combination of multiple mealtime bolus and basal injec-
tions or continuous insulin infusion through an insulin
pump.14 Conventional insulin pump, which consists of a small
computer containing an insulin reservoir connected via
Approximately 64% of persons with type 1 diabetes in the
tubing to a subcutaneous insertion site; also known as
United States use an insulin pump.9 The conventional porta-ble an infusion set.
insulin pump consists of an insulin reservoir, a computer chip
Illustration by Dave Klemm
to manage dosage delivery, and an infusion set with flexible
tubing (Figure 2). The unit can be clipped onto a belt or
waistband. A soft plastic cannula at the end of the tubing
inserts under the skin to deliver the insulin. Alternatively, a Most patients who use the pump use rapid-acting insu-lin
patch pump attaches an entire unit directly to the skin, does (e.g., aspart [Novolog], glulisine [Apidra], lispro [Hum-alog]),
not require a line of plastic tubing to deliver the insulin to the whereas a small minority still use regular insulin. Rapid-acting
cannula, and receives insulin delivery programming via a insulin boluses can be administered immedi-ately before meals
wireless handheld unit. Regardless of the type of pump used, to allow more flexibility.17 Small amounts of rapid-acting
the cannula insertion site is rotated every two to three days. insulin are continuously infused to provide basal insulin.
Despite the risks of lipodystrophy, cannula site dis-comfort, Depending on pump type, basal rates can be titrated as low as
and increased cost, many patients still prefer the pump to 0.01 units per hour.18 Patients who do not use the pump tend to
performing multiple daily injections. use long-acting insulin (e.g., detemir [Levemir], glargine
Basal-bolus regimens, whether through a pump or injec- [Lantus]) to meet basal demands.
tions, are considered more physiologic because they Intensive glucose control requires knowing the various
attempt to mimic normal β-cell secretion. This is in contrast factors affecting a patient’s insulin sensitivity and dos-ing
to the conventional insulin therapy used before the Diabetes requirements (Table 2).19,20 Insulin sensitivity varies
Con-trol and Complications Trial in which patients used throughout the day and throughout a person’s lifetime.
mixed short- and intermediate-acting insulins in twice-daily Puberty, pregnancy, and illness are physiologic states that
dos-ing.15 Some studies have shown improved A1C levels often require extra insulin titration. Before dosing of pre-
in adults with type 1 diabetes who use continuous infusion meal insulin, consideration needs to be made regarding
pumps. However, studies have not shown better effective- planned carbohydrate intake, planned exercise or activity
ness universally for either approach. Therefore, the levels, and current blood glucose levels (eTable A). Choice
decision between multiple daily injections or continuous of insulin type needs to account for duration of action, cost,
pump ther-apy should be individualized.16 and route of administration15,21 (eTable B).

156 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 98, Number 3 ◆ August 1, 2018
 TYPE 1 DIABETES

Adjunctive Therapies adults with type 1 diabetes taking metformin did not show
Adjunctive therapies for patients with type 1 diabetes are significant improvement in glycemic control.25 The poten-
under investigation but are not currently recommended. 22 tial cardiovascular disease benefit from adjunctive therapies
Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, which pro-mote the remains under investigation.
renal excretion of glucose, are approved for use in patients
with type 2 diabetes but have not been approved for use in Lifestyle Management and Disease Prevention
patients with type 1 diabetes. Pramlintide (Sym-lin)—a DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
synthetic analogue of human amylin that reduces postprandial All patients with type 1 diabetes should participate in
glucose via slowed gastric emptying, inhibition of glucagon continuous diabetes self-management education, which
secretion, and satiety promotion—is approved by the U.S. works to empower patients to understand how diet, phys-
Food and Drug Administration for use in type 1 diabetes and ical activity, and insulin affect their glucose levels and how
may have an association with improved glyce-mic control; glycemic levels relate to acute and chronic complications
however, long-term benefits remain unclear.23 Despite studies (Table 3).6,26-29 Diabetes self-management education has
suggesting that the addition of metformin might reduce insulin been shown to improve A1C levels and quality of life, and
doses in patients with type 1 diabe-tes,24 this has not been reduce health care costs.30,31 National standards for diabe-
substantiated. Additionally, a recent well-designed double- tes self-management education have been published by the
blind randomized controlled trial of American Diabetes Association in conjunction with the
American Association of Diabetes Educators.32
Online diabetes education resources are avail-
TABLE 2 able at http://professional.diabetes.org/content/
diabetes-educator-resources. To find a diabe-tes
Concepts in Insulin Therapy educator or a preexisting diabetes education
Term Definitions and examples program, visit http://www.diabeteseducator.org/
living-with-diabetes.
Basal insulin Sometimes referred to as background insulin
Administered to help control blood glucose levels MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
between meals and while sleeping
Motivational interviewing techniques can be an
Suggested empiric TBD formulas: effective strategy for improving glycemic con-trol.
TBD = 0.2 × weight (kg) One randomized controlled trial demon-strated that
TBD = 0.4 × total daily insulin dose adolescents with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes
Bolus insulin Rapid- or short-acting insulin administered with meals were able to decrease their A1C level by an average
to cover carbohydrate intake or administered one of 0.6% over 12 months (com-pared with an
time to correct for hyperglycemia increase of 0.2% in the control group) by
Insulin-to- Calculated for a particular patient and particular meal participating in motivational inter-viewing sessions
carbohydrate The amount of carbohydrates (g) that, when eaten, will every six to eight weeks.33 For resources on
ratio (ICR) require 1 unit of insulin (e.g., a ratio of 1:6 at breakfast motivational interviewing specif-ically for diabetes,
equals 1 unit of insulin for every 6 g of carbohydrate visit https://www.niddk.nih. gov/health-
eaten at breakfast)
information/communication-pro-
Suggested empiric ICR formula:
grams/ndep/health-professionals/practice-trans-
ICR = 100 / TBD
formation-physicians-health-care-teams/ diabetes-
Correction The drop in blood glucose level expected to be achieved practice-changes/engaging-patients/ motivational-
factor (CF) by administering 1 unit of insulin (e.g., a correction factor of interviewing.
1:25 means that administering 1 unit of insulin decreases
blood glucose level by 25 mg per dL)
NUTRITION
The correction factor may be written as a ratio or as a
Nutritional therapy should be individualized and
whole number (i.e., CF = 1:25 or 25)
supervised under the care of a dietitian.
Suggested empiric CF formula:
Matching carbohydrate intake with insulin ther-
CF = ICR x 4.5
apy and activity level is a complex practice. One
TBD = total basal dose.
approach to managing mealtime insulin is to eat
Information from references 19 and 20. a set amount of carbohydrates with each meal
and use a fixed insulin dose. A second approach

August 1, 2018 ◆ Volume 98, Number 3 www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 157
 TYPE 1 DIABETES

is to match insulin doses according to variable amounts of suggest that as glucose monitoring techniques and insu-lin
carbohydrates that one plans to consume. Alcohol intake types become more sophisticated, this pattern may be
should be restricted to no more than one drink per day for changing, and the rate of severe hypoglycemia may not be
women and two drinks per day for men. greater in those with tight glucose control.9

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The American Diabetes Association TABLE 3
suggests that adults with type 1 dia-betes
should engage in 150 minutes of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Chronic Care Maintenance
moderate- to vigorous-intensity physi- Assessment Frequency Comments
cal activity per week with no more than History and physical examination
two consecutive days without activity.26 Blood pressure Every visit General adult goal < 140/90 mm Hg
Prolonged sitting should be interrupted May be lower (e.g., 130/80 mm Hg) in
every 30 minutes with light activity.34 patients at high cardiovascular disease
risk and higher (e.g., 120 to 160/80 to
CARDIOVASCULAR 105 mm Hg) in pregnancy
DISEASE PREVENTION Body mass index Every visit Increased weight or body mass index
may correlate with increased insulin
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease resistance
is the leading cause of morbidity and Review glucose levels and Every visit Assess for compliance, risk of diabetic
mortality among persons with diabe- symptoms of extremes in ketoacidosis, and risk or presence of
tes.27 Particular attention should be glucose levels hypoglycemia
given to maximizing blood pressure Tobacco cessation Every visit For smokers only
counseling
and lipid control (Table 4).27
Contraception or precon- Every visit For women of childbearing age
Angioten-sin-converting enzyme ception planning If not using contraception:prescribe
inhibitors and angiotensin receptor prenatal vitamin, discontinue poten-
blockers should be used preferentially tially teratogenic medications, and
in patients with diabetes who have maximize glycemic control
hypertension and microalbuminuria Depression screening Annually and Increase frequency if result is positive
as needed
(urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio
Foot examination Annually Inspection, pulses, reflexes, sensation/
greater than 30 mg per g).27
monofilament

Acute Issues of Type 1 Diabetes Every visit if neuropathy or peripheral

vascular disease is present
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Inspection alone may be sufficient for
Clinically significant hypoglycemia is children
defined as a plasma glucose level less Dental examination Annually Periodontal disease may be more
than 54 mg per dL (3.0 mmol per L) severe in patients with type 1 diabetes
with or without symptoms. Severe Dilated eye examination Annually First examination three to five years
hypoglycemia is defined as a hypogly- after onset of type 1 diabetes

cemic event in which a patient requires More frequently as needed for

retinopathy
the assistance of another individual for
Less frequently may be appropriate for
treatment. A blood glucose level of less some persons
than 70 mg per dL (3.9 mmol per L) is Skin examination Intermittently Assess injection/insertion sites
considered a “glucose alert level” and
should trigger treatment with fast-acting Laboratory tests
carbohydrates and consid-eration for A1C level Every three Goal for most adults is < 7%
to six months
changes in medication.6,35 The risk of
Urine albumin-to- Annually First examination three to five years
severe hypoglycemia, as demonstrated creatinine ratio after onset of type 1 diabetes
by the Diabetes Control and Lipid profile Initially and If low risk, check every five years
Complications Trial, increases with as needed
intensive diabetes treatment and lower continues
A1C levels.1 More recent data

158 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 98, Number 3 ◆ August 1, 2018
 TYPE 1 DIABETES
TABLE 3 (continued)

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Chronic Care Maintenance

Assessment Frequency Comments

Laboratory tests (continued) glucagon response) and hypoglycemic

Thyroid-stimulating hor- Initially Repeat if symptoms suggestive of unawareness.36
mone level thyroid disease Recommended treatment for hypo-
Screen for celiac disease Initially Consider immunoglobulin A antibody glycemia is 15 g of oral glucose. Any
testing for tissue transglutaminase if type of carbohydrate can increase blood
symptoms suggestive of celiac disease
glucose levels;however, complex
Liver function tests, cre- Initially Baseline testing, repeat as needed
atinine level
carbohydrates and increased fat content
can delay acute resolution of a hypo-
Vaccinations glycemic event. Repeat administration
Pneumococcal poly- Once Give a second dose if the patient is of glucose may be required. Glucagon
saccharide vaccine older than 65 years, received a dose
(Pneumovax 23) five or more years ago, and was
(Glucagen) can be delivered by injection
younger than 65 years at that time to an unconscious patient with hypo-
Influenza Annually — glycemia. Patients and their caregivers
Hepatitis B Three-dose For unvaccinated adults 19 to 59 years should understand the symptoms of
series of age hypoglycemia and how to administer
If 60 years or older, administer based on proper treatment with glucagon.
risk of acquiring disease and likelihood
of immune response to vaccination
HYPERGLYCEMIA
Other Per Centers Commonly indicated vaccines:
for Disease tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria
One of the most serious acute compli-
Control and toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap); cations of type 1 diabetes is diabetic
Prevention varicella or age-appropriate zoster; ketoacidosis (DKA). Precipitating fac-
age-appropriate human papillomavirus; tors of DKA include infection, discon-
and measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
tinuation or inadequate administration of
Elective vaccines:meningococcal
quadrivalent and B vaccines, pneumo- insulin (including insulin pump fail-ure),
coccal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13), myocardial infarction, and other drugs.
hepatitis A, and Haemophilus influen- Prevention strategies for DKA include
zae type b (Hib) vaccine
ensuring adequate access to supplies and
Diabetes self-management and education prescriptions, and educa-tion regarding
Physical activity Initially and 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous sick- day management. A previous
as needed physical activity per week article from American Family Physician
Nutrition Initially and Ideally should have access to a regis- on DKA management is available at
as needed tered dietitian
https://www.aafp.org/
Blood glucose monitoring Every visit Monitor compliance and adherence
afp/2013/0301/p337.html.
Assess for disease Intermittently Use validated age appropriate tool (i.e.,
burnout as needed Diabetes Distress Scale)
SICK DAYS
Information from references 6, and 26 through 29.
Patients often require increased
amounts of insulin during acute ill-
ness. Patients experiencing acute ill-
Hypoglycemia symptoms vary in severity, and range ness should increase the frequency of glucose testing and
from hunger and confusion to loss of consciousness, sei- should not self-discontinue insulin (Table 5).14,37 Frequent
zure, and death. An individual’s physiologic response to administration of rapid-acting insulin every two to four
hypoglycemia depends on the frequency of hypoglycemic hours based on glucose levels may be required. In the set-
events.36 For example, patients who experience frequent ting of vomiting or hyperglycemia, ketone testing can help
episodes of hypoglycemia may have less severe symptoms guide management.37 Recognizing early signs and symp-
at the same glucose levels as patients who rarely experi- toms of dehydration and DKA is important. Patients and
ence hypoglycemia. Patients must maintain a tight balance caregivers should contact their physician as soon as DKA is
between providing sufficient iatrogenic (exogenous) insu- suspected.
lin to prevent hyperglycemia but not so much as to cause
hypoglycemia. Regardless of the amount of insulin admin- Future Directions
istered, the risk of recurrent hypoglycemia is exacerbated Technologic advances have helped improve the usability of
by decreased glucose counter regulation (epinephrine and continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps. Various

August 1, 2018 ◆ Volume 98, Number 3 www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 159
 TYPE 1 DIABETES
TABLE 4

Guidelines from the American Diabetes Association for

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Blood pressure models and manufactur-ers
Measure at each visit;review therapeutic lifestyle changes if > 120/80 mm Hg allow for choice based on
Medical treatment to maintain goal < 140/90 mm Hg (may be lower [e.g., 130/80 mm Hg] in size, insertion type, and
patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease and higher [e.g., 120 to 160/80 to 105 mm Hg] in
pregnancy)
tubing.
Current research is focused
Treatment should focus on drugs proven to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes
(angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, thiazides, and dihydro- on improving com-
pyridine calcium channel blocker) munication between devices
and more automation of
Cholesterol
insulin delivery based on
Measure at initial evaluation and at least every five years
recorded blood glucose lev-
Few clinical trials exist studying cholesterol and type 1 diabetes
els. In September 2016, the
Primary prevention:in the absence of ASCVD, consider statin therapy based on ASCVD risk scores,
such as the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association risk assessment tool
U.S. Food and Drug Admin-
(https://professional.heart.org/professional/GuidelinesStatements/PreventionGuidelines/ istration approved the first
UCM_457698_ASCVD-Risk-Calculator.jsp) combination glucose moni-
Secondary prevention:treat with statins if ASCVD is present toring and automated insu-lin
delivery device, a hybrid
Antiplatelet therapy
closed-loop system.38 Some
Primary prevention:in the absence of ASCVD, consider aspirin therapy (75 to 162 mg daily) for
patients older than 50 years with one additional risk factor (family history of premature ASCVD, commercially available
hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, or albuminuria) who are not at increased risk of bleeding closed-loop systems use a
Secondary prevention:treat with aspirin (75 to 162 mg daily) if ASCVD is present continuous glucose monitor,
which transmits directly to
Smoking cessation
the insulin pump (Figure 3).
Ask about smoking at each visit
In addition to the closed-
Advise all patients to not smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products
loop system, an automated,
Offer counseling and tobacco cessation treatment as routine care
bihormonal (insulin and
ASCVD = atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. glucagon) bionic pancreas
Information from reference 27. is under development.
Studies of the bihormonal

TABLE 5 FIGURE 3

Sick Day Management for Patients

Glucose sensor
with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and transmitter Infusion set
In times of illness and decreased oral intake, advise the
Insulin
patient as follows:
pump
Do not stop insulin
Increase blood glucose testing to every two to four hours
and contact physician
Ensure the following supplies are available:
Contact information for physician
Extra insulin
Glucagon emergency kit
Glucose testing supplies (e.g., glucometer, test strips, lancets)
Ketone testing supplies (urine or blood)
Quick-acting carbohydrate sources (e.g., juice, ginger
ale, glucose tablets, popsicles) Closed-loop system combining an insulin pump and a
continuous glucose monitor. The pump computer uses
Sugar-free fluids (e.g., diet soda, water, Jello, broth)
constant input from the continuous glucose monitor to
Syringes (even for pump users in case of pump failure) adjust insulin administration in real time.
Information from references 14 and 37. Illustration by Dave Klemm

160 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 98, Number 3 ◆ August 1, 2018
 TYPE 1 DIABETES

system have shown improved glycemic control

TABLE 6 and reduced hypoglycemia during testing.39
Pancreas and islet cell transplantation has also
T1D Exchange Registry Top 10 Key Findings been effective in restoring insulin production and
1. Children and adults with excellent glycemic control manage their dia-betes normalizing glucose levels. However, it requires
differently than persons who have poorer glycemic control. lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore,
Differences in management include using specific protocols and sys-tems it is currently recommended only for patients
to decide amount of insulin dosed and when to give boluses, and
who also require renal transplantation.40
increased frequency of monitoring and exercise.
Several recent advances in type 1 diabetes
2. Self-monitoring blood glucose levels more frequently is strongly research have been driven by improved patient
associated with better glycemic control.
databases. The T1D Exchange, which includes
3. There are racial and socioeconomic disparities among those who use more than 30,000 registry participants, manages
insulin pumps and those who have better glucose control.
the largest registry of patients with type 1 diabe-
Within the T1D Exchange, pump use is more common in whites than
blacks or Hispanics, even when adjusting for socioeconomic status;
tes in the United States. Table 6 provides a list of
blacks have higher A1C levels than whites or Hispanics. key findings from the T1D Exchange registry.9
4. A1C levels are lower in persons who practice continuous glucose This article updates previous articles on this topic by
monitoring vs. those who do not. Havas and Donner,41 and Havas.42
This finding is shown when continuous glucose monitoring is used regu-larly Data Sources: A literature search was completed in
in patients using either multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. Medline via Ovid, EBSCOhost, DynaMed, and the
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the
5. Severe hypoglycemia is more common in older adults (> 60 years) following keywords:type 1 diabetes, management of
with longstanding type 1 diabetes.
diabetes, insulin therapy, and glucose monitoring.
6. The rate of severe hypoglycemia is not higher in persons with tight glucose Additionally, the Essential Evidence Plus evidence
control (A1C < 7%) vs. persons who have poorer glucose control (A1C > 8%) summary literature search sent by the AFP medi-cal
editors was reviewed. Search dates: July 3 and
This is in contrast to the findings in the DCCT, which reported higher rates of
August 21, 2017, and May 2018.
severe hypoglycemia in patients with tight glucose control. A proposed
explanation for this dramatic change is the improvements in insulin and
The Authors
glucose monitoring since the DCCT in 1983-1993.
ANDREW SMITH, MD, is a faculty member at the
7. DKA is not more common in persons who use insulin pumps than Lawrence Family Medicine Residency Program,
those who use injections. Lawrence, Mass., and an assistant professor of
Historically, there were concerns that DKA occurred more often in pump Family Medicine at the Tufts University School of
users because of undetected failure of the pump. Medicine, Boston, Mass.
8. Adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes have worse glucose CHELSEA HARRIS, MD, is a fourth-year resident at
control and experience DKA more often than younger or older individuals Lawrence Family Medicine Residency Program.
with type 1 diabetes.
This represents an area for increased vigilance and research around behav- Address correspondence to Andrew Smith, MD,
ior modification and improved diabetes self-management education. Lawrence Family Health Center, 34 Haverhill St.,
Lawrence, MA 01841. Reprints are not available
9. Adolescents with type 1 diabetes are more overweight than adoles- from the authors.
cents without type 1 diabetes.
Obesity increases the risk of insulin resistance, severe hypoglycemia, and
cardiovascular disease. References
1. Nathan DM, Genuth S, Lachin J, et al.;Diabetes Control and
10. Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney disease and an important Complications Trial Research Group. The effect of intensive
warning sign. treatment of diabetes on the development and progression
Registry data show the relationship of microalbuminuria with glucose of long-term complications in insulin-dependent diabetes
control, diabetes duration, and blood pressure, and highlight the need to mellitus. N Engl J Med. 1993;329(14):977-986.
focus on glycemic control to prevent chronic kidney disease. 2. Effect of intensive diabetes management on macrovas-cular
events and risk factors in the Diabetes Control and
Note: Clinic registry data are based on 16,771 registry participants with at least one Complications Trial. Am J Cardiol. 1995;75(14):894-903.
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4. Nathan DM; DCCT/EDIC Research Group. The diabetes control and 22. George P, McCrimmon RJ. Potential role of non-insulin adjunct therapy in
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EDIC Research Group. Association between 7 years of intensive treat- 24. Vella S, Buetow L, Royle P, Livingstone S, Colhoun HM, Petrie JR. The
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6. American Diabetes Association. 6. Glycemic targets:Standards of Med- 25. Petrie JR, Chaturvedi N, Ford I, et al.;REMOVAL Study Group. Cardio-
ical Care in Diabetes–2018. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(suppl 1):S55-S64. vascular and metabolic effects of metformin in patients with type 1
7. Lipska KJ, Ross JS, Miao Y, Shah ND, Lee SJ, Steinman MA. Potential diabetes (REMOVAL):a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled
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Care in Diabetes–2018. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(suppl 1):S38-S50.
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9. T1D Exchange. Better, faster research:the value of the T1D Exchange 28. American Diabetes Association. 3. Comprehensive medical evaluation
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the-t1d-exchange-clinic-registry/. Accessed August 30, 2017. 2018. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(suppl 1):S28-S37.
29. Chiang JL, Kirkman MS, Laffel LM, Peters AL;Type 1 Diabetes Sourcebook
10. Pickup JC, Freeman SC, Sutton AJ. Glycaemic control in type 1 diabe-tes
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11. Tamborlane WV, Beck RW, Bode BW, et al.; Juvenile Diabetes Research
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Med. 2008;359(14):1464-1476. 31. Robbins JM, Thatcher GE, Webb DA, Valdmanis VG. Nutritionist visits,
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12. Hommel E, Olsen B, Battelino T, et al.;SWITCH Study Group. Impact of
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and use of medical care resources:analyses from the SWITCH study. 32. Beck J, Greenwood DA, Blanton L, et al. 2017 national standards for dia-
Acta Diabetol. 2014;51(5):845-851. betes self-management education and support. Diabetes Educ. 2017;
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diabetes mellitus:scientific review. JAMA. 2003;289(17):2254-2264.
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21. Donner T. Insulin – Pharmacology, Therapeutic Regimens and Princi- patients. Am Fam Physician. 2006;74(6):971-978.
ples of Intensive Insulin Therapy. South Dartmouth, Mass.:MDText.com, 42. Havas S. Educational guidelines for achieving tight control and mini-
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23, 2017. 1985-1992.

162 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 98, Number 3 ◆ August 1, 2018
 TYPE 1 DIABETES

eTABLE A

Approach to Mealtime Insulin Calculation

Calculate the grams of carbohydrates per food item
Gain competence from reading nutrition labels, research, and/or experience
Smartphone applications may be helpful, such as Diabetes in Check:Blood Glucose & Carb Tracker, Fooducate, and
Glooko
Not all carbohydrates are equal;the timing and effect that carbohydrates have on glucose vary by factors such as fat
content and percentage of complex vs. simple carbohydrates (i.e., 20 g of orange juice does not equal 20 g of cereal)

Calculate the initial amount of insulin needed using an individualized ratio

The insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio is the amount of carbohydrates (g) that, when eaten, require one unit of insulin (e.g.,
if carbohydrate ratio is 1:6, the patient needs 1 unit of insulin for every 6 g of carbohydrate)
Insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios are individualized and may change throughout the day and over the years

Adjust insulin dose based on the difference between current glucose level and target level using the correction factor

Calculate the difference between current (premeal) glucose level and target glucose level
Adjust (increase or decrease) insulin dose based on the difference between current and target levels (e.g., if premeal glu-
cose is 90 mg per dL [5.0 mmol per L] over target and the correction factor is 30, then use 3 additional units of insulin)

Inject insulin
Caveats:
Additional factors to consider include physical activity and type of insulin
In place of adjusting insulin doses based on variable food intake, some patients eat a set amount of carbohydrates with
each meal and use a fixed insulin dose;although this requires less variability in insulin management, it also requires a
more stringent approach to meals and limits dietary flexibility

Example of mealtime insulin calculation

Meal: Turkey sandwich with two slices of whole wheat bread, cheese, turkey
Apple
Greek yogurt

Current blood glucose level:170 mg per dL (9.4 mmol per L)

Carbohydrate ratio:1:6

Correction factor: 25

Total carbohydrate intake* Bread = 24 g Total = 48 g 8 units of insulin

Cheese and turkey = 0 g (1 unit for every 6 g
carbohydrates)
Apple = 14 g
Yogurt = 10 g

Correction factor Current glucose level:170 Difference = 2 additional units

mg per dL (9.4 mmol per L) 50 mg per dL of insulin (1 unit will
Target glucose level:120 (170 – 120) decrease glucose level
mg per dL (6.7 mmol per L) by 25 mg per dL)

Total insulin needed 10 units

*—Carbohydrate values obtained from American Diabetes Association. My food advisor. http://tracker.diabetes.org/. Accessed August
23, 2017.

August 1, 2018 ◆ Volume 98, Number 3 www.aafp.org/afp American Family Physician 162A
 TYPE 1 DIABETES

eTABLE B

Insulin Types
Effective
Insulin Onset Peak duration Cost*

Rapid acting
Aspart (Novolog) 5 to 15 minutes 30 to 90 minutes 5 hours $540 for five 3-mL flexpens (100 units per mL)

Glulisine (Apidra) 15 to 30 minutes 30 to 60 minutes 4 hours $425 for five 3-mL solostar pens (100 units per mL)

Lispro (Humalog) 5 to 15 minutes 30 to 90 minutes 5 hours $550 for five 3-mL kwikpens (100 units per mL)

Short acting
Regular 30 to 60 minutes 2 to 3 hours 5 to 8 hours $165 for one 10-mL vial (100 units per mL)

Intermediate acting
Isophane insulin 2 to 4 hours 4 to 10 hours 10 to 16 hours Novolin:$25 for one 10-mL vial (100 units per mL)
(neutral protamine Humulin:$290 for five 3-mL kwikpens (100 units
Hagedorn) per mL)

Long acting
Detemir (Levemir) 3 to 4 hours Small peak 6 to 20 to 24 hours $425 for five 3-mL flexpens (100 units per mL)
8 hours

Glargine (Lantus) 2 to 4 hours No peak 20 to 24 hours $260 for five 3-mL solostar pens (100 units per mL)

*—Estimated retail price of brand-name insulin based on information obtained at https://www.healthcarebluebook.com (accessed April 11, 2018).
Information from:
DeWitt DE, Hirsch IB. Outpatient insulin therapy in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus:scientific review. JAMA. 2003;289(17):2254-2264.
Donner T. Insulin – Pharmacology, Therapeutic Regimens and Principles of Intensive Insulin Therapy. South Dartmouth, Mass.:MDText.com, Inc.;
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278938/. Accessed August 23, 2017.

162B American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 98, Number 3 ◆ August 1, 2018