Who Uses Insulin Pens and Why?

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Factors affecting use of insulin pens by patients with type 2 diabetes, by R. R. Rubin and M. Peyrot. Diabetes Care.Published online ahead of print on 26 November 2007

What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

For some people who use insulin, giving injections with vials and syringes can be inconvenient or difficult. Alternative delivery systems, such as pen devices, may improve patients’ satisfaction, leading them to follow their insulin regimen better and achieve better diabetes control. However, fewer than 20 percent of the people who use insulin in the United States currently use such devices.

Why did researchers do this particular study?

The researchers wanted to learn more about why people with diabetes choose to use or not use insulin pens.

Who was studied?

Three hundred insulin-using type 2 diabetic patients who use vials and syringes and 300 who use pen delivery systems.

How was the study done?

Patients were recruited from national diabetes registries to participate in computer-assisted phone interviews. The interviews included questions about patients’ characteristics, diabetes treatment and self-care regimens, insurance coverage, and perceptions about insulin pens, as well as the degree to which their doctors recommended insulin pens.

What did the researchers find?

Participants whose doctors recommended insulin pens were far more likely to use pens than those whose doctors did not make such a recommendation. Other factors associated with pen use included having pens presented as an option, viewing pens as an aid to diabetes self-care, and believing that pens are not costly.

What were the limitations of the study?

Because of the design of the study, researchers find factors related to pen use, but could not explain exactly how those factors influenced patients’ choices. For example, did people choose a pen because they thought it would help them follow their treatment regimen better, or did they only realize that pens can ease self-care after they were already using a pen? Further studies will be needed to answer such questions.

What are the implications of the study?

Doctors may be able to improve their patients’ diabetes management by recommending and teaching patients about the potential benefits of insulin pens. In general, making diabetes self-care easier can improve patients’ diabetes control and long-term health.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Insulin delivery systems

Insulin routines

Insulin and type 2 diabetes