Automated Insulin Delivery Shows Promise in Infants with Type 1 Diabetes

When a baby is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, families face immediate decisions about how to manage insulin therapy. Traditionally, infants have been treated with multiple daily injections (MDI) or sensor-augmented pumps (SAP). In recent years, automated insulin delivery systems—often called artificial pancreas technology—have become available, but their use in the very youngest children has been limited. A new study offers insights into how these systems perform in infants under age 2.

Researchers at 13 centers reviewed records for 76 infants diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes before age 2. Over 12 months, they compared 47 children using AID systems with 29 children using traditional multiple daily injections or sensor-augmented pumps.

Children using AID systems spent an average of 65% of their time in target blood sugar range, compared to 56% in the traditional therapy group. They also spent more time in tight target range: 42% versus 32.5%. HbA1c—a measure of average blood sugar over three months—was lower in the AID group.

The three AID systems used were the Medtronic 780 G, Tandem Control-IQ, and CamAPS FX. Continuous glucose monitors were worn nearly 97% of the time across all users, showing strong acceptance of the technology even in very young children.

A key concern for families managing diabetes in infants is the risk of severe low blood sugar events (severe hypoglycemia). In this study, no severe hypoglycemic events occurred in the AID group over the 12-month period. By contrast, 7.1% of infants in the traditional therapy group experienced at least one severe low blood sugar event.

The safety profile of continuous glucose monitors in infants was also reassuring, with no reported safety issues related to CGM use itself.

This real-world evidence—data collected from actual clinical practice rather than controlled trials—suggests that automated insulin delivery systems may be a safe and effective option for infants newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The researchers note that their findings could help inform future international guidelines about treating very young children.

While this study provides encouraging information, families should discuss all available options with their diabetes care team to determine what approach is right for their situation.

Source: Diabetes technology & therapeutics. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.