Impact of Pramlintide on Glucose Fluctuations and Postprandial Glucose, Glucagon, and Triglyceride Excursions Among Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Intensively Treated With Insulin Pumps

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Abstract
OBJECTIVE—To assess the effects of adjunctive treatment with pramlintide, an analog of the β-cell hormone amylin, on 24-h glucose fluctuations and postprandial glucose, glucagon, and triglyceride excursions in patients with type 1 diabetes intensively treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In this study, 18 patients (16 of whom could be evaluated) with type 1 diabetes (age 44 ± 11 years, HbA1c 8.2 ± 1.3% [mean ± SD]) were given mealtime injections of 30 μg pramlintide t.i.d. for 4 weeks in addition to their preexisting CSII regimen (16 lispro, 2 regular insulin). Mealtime insulin boluses were reduced by a minimum of 10% during the first 3 days, and re-adjusted thereafter based on clinical judgment. At weeks 0 (baseline), 4 (on treatment), and 6 (2 weeks off treatment), 24-h interstitial glucose concentrations were measured using a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS), and postprandial plasma glucose, glucagon, and triglyceride concentrations were measured in response to a standardized test meal. RESULTS—At baseline, patients had excessive 24-h glucose fluctuations, with 59% of the CGMS measurements >140 mg/dl, 13% P < 0.05 vs. baseline). At week 6 (off treatment), the 24-h glucose profile and postprandial glucose, glucagon, and triglyceride excursions approached pretreatment values. CONCLUSIONS—In this study, the addition of pramlintide to insulin therapy reduced excessive 24-h glucose fluctuations as well as postprandial glucose, glucagon, and triglyceride excursions in patients with type 1 diabetes intensively treated with insulin pumps.