Insulin pumps in the treatment of type 1 diabetes

This information brief is intended to inform the ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) concerning reimbursement for insulin pumps in the treatment of type 1 diabetes.After the launch of the Insulin Pump Access Program in 2011, the MSSS asked to be updated on the state of the evidence on these medical instruments that deliver continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.In particular, the MSSS wanted to know about the effectiveness of insulin pumps for the pediatric and adult populations in relation to the most common treatment modality:multiple daily insulin injections with a syringe or pen.

A literature review was therefore performed on the clinical effectiveness of insulin pumps (excluding, in particular, the concept of quality of life), on economic aspects and on the medical eligibility criteria for public funding for insulin pumps.Funding programs for insulin pumps implemented in the other Canadian provinces and territories were also examined and the main criteria they use are listed.