METABOLIC EFFECT AND ACCEPTANCE OF AN INSULIN PEN TREATMENT IN 20,262DIABETIC-PATIENTS

Efficacy and acceptance of a new pen developed for NPH insulins was in vestigated under real-life conditions in 20,262 in- and outpatients af fected by either insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or non-ins ulin diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Treatment regimens, blood glucose prof iles, concomitant diseases and medication as well as hypoglycemic even ts were monitored. Acceptance of the pen device was assessed by a mult iple choice questionnaire. Blood glucose profiles during 1,523 documen ted patient years were improved in all treatment groups (conventional insulin treatment, intensified conventional therapy ICT, insulin-sulph onylurea combination therapy). The effect was most pronounced in inpat ients and treatment groups with more flexible insulin regimens. Hypogl ycemic events at the end of the study were not different from those at the beginning. Acceptance of the pen used was high. Regardless of the duration of diabetes and pretreatment, technical handling was conside red to be simple and injection painless. Acceptance with respect to te chnical handling decreased in patients over 50 years of age. Blood glu cose levels in in- and outpatients was improved almost to the same lev el, despite the fact that inpatients had higher starting values. It is concluded that the pen improved the patient compliance, which results in better metabolic control and may reflect an improved quality of li fe.