| Description |
This study investigated the relationship between diabetic control and heart disease risk in diabetic subjects. Glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb Alc) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were used as control and risk indicators. The purpose of the study was to describe the relationship between indicators of diabetic control and heart disease risk in diabetic subjects using conventional insulin injections and those same indicators when the subjects were receiving continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion from a portable battery pump. The study described changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb Alc), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol, and triglyceride levels during a control and experimental period each lasting six and three continuous months respectively. During the control period, the subjects continued to use conventional insulin injections. Within the first and final week of the six month control period, Hb Alc, HDL, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured. During the first week of the three month experimental period the subjects were instructed in the operation and management of the insulin infusion period. Levels of Hb Alc, HDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride were again measured during the final week of the experimental period. Descriptive analysis of relationships between Hb Alc, HDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels during the control and experimental periods demonstrated that diabetic control improved significantly when the subjects used the insulin infusion pump. However, the relationship between diabetic control and heart disease risk indicators - HDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride - was not conclusive. It was concluded that other variable were interfering with the relationship of diabetic control and heart disease risk indicators. |
