- βChildren starting AID pumps at diagnosis achieved an HbA1c of 6.1% vs. 7.7% with injections after one year
- βTime in healthy blood sugar range was 79% with AID vs. 51% with CGM plus daily injections
- βNo severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis occurred in either group during the entire study
| Journal | Diabetes therapy : research, treatment and education of diabetes and related disorders |
| Year | 2025 |
| Authors | Yilmaz, Demir, Özalp Kızılay |
| PMID | 41051697 |
What Was Studied β and Why It Matters
When a child is first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), doctors face an important decision: which treatment to start right away? For years, most families began with insulin injections while waiting weeks or months before considering an advanced insulin pump system. A new study from 2025 asked whether starting an automated insulin delivery (AID) system β a "closed-loop" pump that automatically adjusts insulin β from day one of diagnosis could produce better blood sugar outcomes for children and teenagers.
This matters because the first year after a T1D diagnosis sets the stage for long-term health. Poor blood sugar control early on raises the risk of dangerous complications down the road.
What the Researchers Found
The study followed two groups of children and teens newly diagnosed with T1D. One group (8 children, average age about 7) started on the MiniMedβ’ 780G automated pump system within days of diagnosis. The other group (7 children, average age about 10) used continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) paired with multiple daily injections (MDI) β the more traditional approach.
After 12 months, the differences were striking:
- HbA1c (a 3-month blood sugar average): 6.1% in the AID group vs. 7.7% in the injection group β a meaningful gap, with lower being better.
- Time in Range (TIR) β the percentage of time blood sugar stayed in a healthy zone: 79% for AID vs. just 51% for injections. Experts recommend above 70%.
- Time Above Range (TAR) β time spent with dangerously high blood sugar: only 13% for AID vs. 31% for injections.
- Safety: No cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or severe low blood sugar occurred in either group throughout the entire year.
What This Means for Families
If your child has just been diagnosed with T1D, this research suggests that starting an automated pump system immediately β rather than waiting β may give them a significant head start on healthy blood sugar control. The AID system does much of the heavy lifting automatically, which can be reassuring for overwhelmed newly diagnosed families.
Of course, managing supplies is a real part of daily life with T1D. Whether your child uses a pump, CGM sensors, or insulin pen needles, having a reliable source matters. MDS Diabetes offers a wide range of diabetes management supplies, making it easier for families to stay stocked and consistent with their chosen therapy.
Important Caveats
This was a small, retrospective study β only 15 children total. Larger studies are needed before this becomes standard practice everywhere. Always talk with your child's endocrinologist about the best treatment approach for your family's specific situation.
Bottom Line
Starting an automated insulin pump system at the time of a T1D diagnosis β rather than weeks or months later β appears safe and may dramatically improve blood sugar control in children within the first year. If your child has been recently diagnosed, ask their diabetes care team whether early AID therapy is an option worth exploring.