Rapid-acting insulin analogues are more convenient to use than regular insulin. Long-acting analogues decrease nocturnal hypoglycemia. Insulin analogues are more expensive than regular and neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin.

Compared with multiple daily injections, insulin pump therapy is associated with a modest improvement in glycemic control and may be associated with decreased frequency of severe hypoglycemia; available evidence suggests that quality of life is improved and the rate of pump discontinuation is low.

Continuous glucose monitoring can improve glycemic control in children without increased hypoglycemia. The sensor-augmented insulin pump with low glucose suspension reduces rates of severe hypoglycemia and nocturnal hypoglycemia. Although technological innovations can improve diabetes outcomes and quality of life, maintenance of optimal glycemic control continues to be largely dependent on patient and family motivation, competence, and adherence to daily diabetes care requirements.

The effective translation of technological advances into clinical practice is costly and requires a substantial investment in education of both practitioners and patients/families.

Closed-loop “artificial pancreas” systems are currently in development and show great promise to automate insulin delivery with minimal patient intervention.