Detailed Analysis of Insulin Absorption Variability and the Tissue Response to Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Catheter Implantation in Swine.

Background: Worldwide, ∼1 million people manage their type 1 diabetes with an insulin pump and a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) catheter. Patients routinely insert a new catheter every 2-3 days due to increasing variability of insulin absorption over time. Catheter insertion and maintenance damage capillaries, lymphatics, cells, and connective tissue leading to an acute inflammatory response.