Nonadherence to Insulin Therapy Detected by Bluetooth-Enabled Pen Cap Is Associated With Poor Glycemic Control

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To objectively evaluate adherence to timing and dosing of insulin by using Bluetooth pen caps and examine factors related to adherence. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Bluetooth-enabled insulin pen caps were used in younger (ages 18–35 years) and older (ages ≥65 years) adults on two or more insulin injections per day. RESULTS We evaluated 75 participants with diabetes, 42 younger (29 ± 4 years) and 33 older (73 ± 7 years). Nonadherence was found in 24% of bolus (Apidra) doses and 36% of basal (Lantus) doses. We divided participants into tertiles on the basis of overall adherence, with the most adherent tertile having 85% dose adherence compared with 49% in the least adherent tertile (P < 0.001). Participants in the most adherent tertile had better glycemic control than those in the least adherent tertile (7.7 ± 1.1% [61 ± 12 mmol/mol] vs. 8.6 ± 1.5% [70 ± 16.4 mmol/mol], P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Nonadherence to insulin dosing and timing can be objectively assessed by Bluetooth pen caps and is associated with poor glycemic control.