Impact of patient satisfaction with insulin pens on glycemic control

Abstract

Aim: Adherence to the insulin regimen is poor. The use of an insulin pen contributes positively to glycemic control by increasing patient satisfaction and adherence. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of patients' opinions of insulin pen use on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Material and Method: 126 patients with T2DM who use insulin and inject it with insulin pens were included in the study. Patients' evaluations about the pens (ergonomics, ease of reading the dosage scale, dose selection, needle change, and ease of use of the insulin pen in general) were assessed. Glycemic parameters, demographic characteristics, and treatment protocol were recorded. Results: Patients who perceived the use of the insulin pen as ergonomically 'excellent’ had a significantly lower HbA1c (8.0±1.4%) (p=0.04). HbA1c was significantly lower in patients who perceived needle tip replacement as ‘very easy’ (8.0±1.6%) (p=0.04). No statistically significant relationship was found between the ease of reading the dosage scale and the HbA1c value (p=0.53). The HbA1c value decreased significantly in patients who rated the dosage selection as 'very easy' (8.1±1.7%) (p=0.02). The HbA1c value increased significantly in patients who rated the pen as ‘difficult’ to use (12.2±1.6%) (p=0.01). Conclusion: In our study, we found that patients' opinions of insulin pen use may influence glycemic control parameters. HbA1c was better in patients who found the insulin pen as easy to use and good in ergonomics. In T2DM, patient assessment of insulin pen injection is related to glycemic control. New studies are needed to say whether this situation is related to the appropriate dose of insulin injection or adherence to therapy.