Table 1.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
Reduced hypoglycaemic episodes, frequency and duration | Unregulated and not medically approved |
Reduced glycaemic variability | Requires user engagement and activation |
Improved overnight glucose profile | Requires investment of time to understand and set up systems |
Reduced psychological burden and regimen burden | Requires a small additional financial investment |
Improved time in range from automated insulin delivery | Technical support not available from HCP, clinics or device manufacturers although available via DIY community |
Improved quality of life | Technical proficiency needed although can be acquired and learnt via DIY community support |
Helps adapt to changes in physiology |
Depending on algorithm used, compatible with certain but not all pumps and CGM Models of pumps that can be used for ‘looping’ are continuously being expanded |
Improved flexibility and customisation e.g. control and connectivity to wearable devices | Increased battery usage of smartphone and pump |
Responsive DIY community support available | |
Algorithms and software continuously being updated and improved | |
Can overcome modest errors or miscalculations in carb entries and bolus calculations | |
Allows remote monitoring (e.g. via Nightscout) for carers |