Advances in Insulin Pump Infusion Sets Symposium Report

Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is becoming increasingly used for achieving target glycemic control as well as providing flexibility in lifestyle. In a widely used version of CSII, the insulin pump itself is attached to one end of an insulin infusion set (IIS), which delivers insulin via a thin flexible plastic tube to the patient’s body via a cannula or needle that is inserted under the skin at the other end of the IIS. Despite the increased use of CSII by patients with diabetes, there have been few recent advances in IIS technology, especially when compared to the many recent advances made in insulin pump technology and in insulin pharmacokinetics. To discuss recent developments in, and future plans for IIS development, Diabetes Technology Society virtually hosted the Advances in Insulin Pump Infusion Sets Symposium on December 1, 2020. This symposium featured experts in the field of IISs, including representatives from Medtronic and ConvaTec (which are two manufacturers that are currently developing IISs), Stanford University, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, and Science Consulting in Diabetes. The webinar’s six speakers covered (1) patient burden, (2) extended wear technology, and (3) future directions in IIS development.