Intensive conventional therapy (ICT)

In this therapy the insulin is injected at least four times each day with an insulin pen.

Two types of insulin are used here:

  • A long-acting insulin (“basal insulin” or “delayed-action insulin”) is injected once or twice each day in order to meet the body's basic requirements.
  • A short-acting insulin (“bolus insulin”) is injected at each mealtime and in order to correct elevated blood glucose levels.

An insulin pen contains an insulin ampoule and a dosing device. Two different pens are used for the basal and bolus insulin.

The insulin is injected into the subcutaneous fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneous) on the abdomen, thighs or buttocks. The pen needles used are extremely thin, so that the injection is barely noticeable. The pen needle is replaced after each injection.

Intensive conventional insulin therapy (ICT) is the standard therapy for most people with type 1 diabetes. However, it has its limits.

Limits of ICT:

  • Blood glucose levels may be too high when you wake up in the morning (the “dawn phenomenon” or “daybreak phenomenon”). This is caused by changes in insulin requirements during the night, which are unable to be adequately covered with long-acting, delayed-action insulin.
  • Delayed-action insulin provides little flexibility. If the insulin requirements change suddenly, for example during physical activity/sports or in stressful situations, the body is unable to respond to these changes quickly.
  • It is difficult to manage irregular daily routines and shift work with delayed-action insulin because the basic insulin requirements are constantly fluctuating.
  • In children and adolescents as well as pregnant women ICT is often unable to provide satisfactory control of blood glucose levels due to hormonal fluctuations.

In these cases therapy with insulin pumps is a good alternative.

Insulin levels in the blood compared to insulin requirements...

...in people without diabetes

Insulin release in non-diabetics

   Insulin requirement

   Meal

   Release of basic insulin requirements

   Meal-dependent insulin release

...in ICT

Insulin "release" in the case of MDI

   Insulin requirement

   Meal

   Basal insulin

   Bolus insulin (meal insulin)

   Long-acting insulin (basal insulin)

   Short-acting insulin (bolus insulin)