Search

Introduction: The long-acting insulin analogue insulin degludec (IDeg) is increasingly recommended for type two diabetes (T2DM), yet clinical experience in China remains limited. This retrospective study aimed to delineate the initiation strategy for IDeg in Chinese hospitalized patients with T2DM. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 217 Chinese hospitalized patients with T2DM who initiated IDeg from December 2018 to June 2020, calculating the initial dose and examining correlations between clinical characteristics and glucose profiles. Results: The initial IDeg doses ranged from 0.15 to 0.18 IU/kg·d, showing no association with clinical characteristics. During titration, mean blood glucose levels (MEAN) correlated positively with diabetes duration, age, and Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c), and negatively with body mass index (BMI), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The coefficient of variation (CV) in glucose levels correlated positively with HbA1c and negatively with BMI and TG. The mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) mirrored these trends, with additional negative correlations to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum albumin (ALB). Notably, glycemic variability parameters did not correlate with the presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at admission. Hypoglycemia was observed in 21 patients, with differences in MEAN and CV during titration being the only significant findings. Conclusion: The initial IDeg dosing was inadequate and not tailored to clinical features, and there were weak correlations between diabetes duration, age, BMI, eGFR, LDL, and ALB levels and glucose profile post-initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Insulin utilization pattern varies greatly in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Clinical inertia in treatment intensification hinders glycemic control in T2DM management. This study investigated insulin prescription trends and various predictors among insulin naive, user, and insulin inertia (II) patients in T2DM. Methodology A retrospective analysis of T2DM patient records from the diabetes clinic at a tertiary care center was conducted. Data on socio-demographics, anthropometry, disease characteristics, comorbidities, adherence, and medication prescribing patterns were collected. Analysis was done using tests of significance, odds ratio (OR), and multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 950 records were analyzed, with 17.3% of patients identified as insulin users (IU), 70.9% being insulin-naïve (IN), and 11.8% having II. IUs had significantly higher glycemic levels including HbA1c, fasting, postprandial, and random blood sugars compared to the other groups. Higher HbA1c levels were associated with significantly increased odds of insulin usage (OR: 3.46, confidence interval (CI): 1.94–6.16), while individuals taking sulfonylureas had lower odds of insulin usage (OR: 0.27, CI: 0.08–0.91). A significant association was also seen with the total number of oral antidiabetic drugs prescribed (four drugs; OR: 15.6, and five drugs; OR: 9.1). Other factors did not show a significant association. The regression model showed HbA1c level as low as 7.9% could indicate a future insulin requirement in 22% of patients. Conclusion The study outlines differences in characteristics and parameters among T2DM patients who require or do not require insulin and highlights the challenges in insulin initiation in Indian T2DM patients. Findings on II underscore the need for timely treatment intensification.

Despite the availability of various antihyperglycaemic therapies and comprehensive guidelines, glycaemic control in diabetes management has not improved significantly during the last decade in the real-world clinical setting. Treatment inertia arising from a complex interplay among patient-, clinician- and healthcare-system-related factors is the prime reason for this suboptimal glycaemic control. Also, the key factor leading to inadequate glycaemic levels remains limited communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and people with type 2 diabetes (PwT2D). Early insulin administration has several advantages including reduced glucotoxicity, high efficacy and preserved β-cell mass/function, leading to lowering the risk of diabetes complications. The current publication is based on consensus of experts from the South-Eastern European region and Israel who reviewed the existing evidence and guidelines for the treatment of PwT2D. Herein, the experts emphasised the timely use of insulin, preferably second-generation basal insulin (BI) analogues and intensification using basal-plus therapy, as the most-potent glucose-lowering treatment choice in the real-world clinical setting. Despite an increase in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), the experts urged timely insulin initiation for inadequate glycaemic control in PwT2D. Furthermore, the combination of BI and GLP-1 RA addressing both fasting plasma glucose and post-prandial excursions as a free- or fixed-ratio combination was identified to reduce treatment complexity and burden. To minimise discontinuation and improve adherence, the experts reiterated quality, regular interactions and discussions between HCPs and PwT2D/carers for their involvement in the diabetes management decision-making process. Clinicians and HCPs should consider the opinions of the experts in accordance with the most recent recommendations for diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic inertia (TI), the clinicians' hesitancy to either instigate or escalate therapeutic measures despite clinical evidence, has been identified as a significant hindrance in achieving ideal glycaemic management in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients globally, including in South Africa. This research purposed to quantify the prevalence of TI in relation to long-term insulin initiation and intensification within inpatients during a single admission at a regional-level public hospital in South Africa. A retrospective analysis of 300 consecutive inpatient admissions to Harry Gwala Regional Hospital from 28 May 2022 was conducted. From the 300 charts identified, 46 were deemed ineligible, leaving 254 for comprehensive assessment. TI was detected in 107 instances (42%), with 73 (68%) of these incidences pertinent to long-term insulin commencement or dosage adjustment during that admission. A younger demographic was the sole discernible protective factor against TI (p = 0.035). The prevalence of TI among T2DM inpatients during a single admission within a KwaZulu Natal public institution is significant, mirroring figures from global studies. Most of this inertia is affiliated with insulin-based strategies, resonating with global patterns. Advanced investigations are imperative to pinpoint specific impediments and strategize countermeasures against TI in such an environment as well as in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We opted to study how support staff operational capacity and diabetes competences may impact the timeliness of basal insulin-initiation in general practice patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Design/Setting/Outcomes: This was an observational and retrospective study on Norwegian primary care patients with T2D included from the ROSA4-dataset. Exposures were (1) support staff size, (2) staff size relative to number of GPs, (3) clinic access to a diabetes nurse and (4) share of staff with diabetes course (1 and 2 both relate to staff operational capacity, whereas 3 and 4 are both indicatory of staff diabetes competences). Outcomes were 'timely basal insulin-initiation' (primary) and 'attainment of HbA1c<7%' after insulin start-up (secondary). Associations were analyzed using multiple linear regression, and directed acyclic graphs guided statistical adjustments. Subjects: Insulin naïve patients with 'timely' (N = 294), 'postponed' (N = 219) or 'no need of' (N = 3,781) basal insulin-initiation, respectively. Results: HbA1c [median (IQR)] increased to 8.8% (IQR, 8.0, 10.2) prior to basal insulin-initiation, which reduced HbA1c to 7.3 (6.8–8.1) % by which only 35% of the subjects reached HbA1c <7%. Adjusted risk of 'timely basal insulin-initiation' was more than twofold higher if access to a diabetes nurse (OR = 2.40, [95%CI, 1.68, 3.43]), but related only vaguely to staff size (OR = 1.01, [95%CI, 1.00, 1.03]). No other staff factors related significantly to neither the primary nor the secondary outcome. Conclusion: In Norwegian general practice, insulin initiation in people with T2D may be affected by therapeutic inertia but access to a diabetes nurse may help facilitating more timely insulin start-up. In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) cared for by their general practice physician (GP), insulin therapy was susceptible to therapeutic inertia. In Norwegian general practice, chance of timely basal insulin-initiation was found more than two-fold higher if the GP had access to a diabetes nurse. In contrast, the timeliness of basal insulin-initiation in general practice patients with T2D seemed unaffected by share of support staff with diabetes course and by factors indicatory of support staff overall operational capacity. In Norwegian general practice, a diabetes nurse seems to offer unique clinical benefits to the care of insulin treated patients with T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: We opted to study how support staff operational capacity and diabetes competences may impact the timeliness of basal insulin-initiation in general practice patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Design/Setting/Outcomes: This was an observational and retrospective study on Norwegian primary care patients with T2D included from the ROSA4-dataset. Exposures were (1) support staff size, (2) staff size relative to number of GPs, (3) clinic access to a diabetes nurse and (4) share of staff with diabetes course (1 and 2 both relate to staff operational capacity, whereas 3 and 4 are both indicatory of staff diabetes competences). Outcomes were ‘timely basal insulin-initiation’ (primary) and ‘attainment of HbA1c

The type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management represents a major challenge in the Gulf region. Hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for microvascular and macrovascular complications and increased mortality. Early dietary and lifestyle changes alongside a step-wise targeted pharmacological approach to achieve a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of

Blessy Koottappal Mathew,1 Jacqueline Giovanna De Roza,2 Changwei Liu,2 Ling Jia Goh,3 Chai Wah Ooi,2 Elya Chen,4 Shixuan Poon,1 Wern Ee Tang3 1National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Toa Payoh Polyclinic, National Healthcare Group, Singapore; 2National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Geylang Polyclinic, National Healthcare Group, Singapore; 3National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Hougang Polyclinic, National Healthcare Group, Singapore; 4National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, Clinical Research Unit, National Healthcare Group, SingaporeCorrespondence: Blessy Koottappal MathewNational Healthcare Group Polyclinic, 2003 Toa Payoh Polyclinic, Lorong 8, Toa Payoh, 319260, Singapore, Email blessy_mathew@nhgp.com.sgPurpose: In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin therapy is often recommended to achieve the optimal control of disease, thereby preventing the onset and progression of diabetes-related complications. Despite knowing about the benefits, it has been reported that 71% of patients refuse insulin and the adherence rate ranges from 30 to 80%. Patient–provider relationship (PPR) may affect such insulin-related behaviours, but little is known about which aspect of PPR affects this. This study aimed to explore the key aspect of the patient–provider relationship that affects the initial insulin acceptance and continued adherence.Patients and Methods: We used the grounded theory approach in this qualitative research. The study was conducted at two primary care clinics between September 2019 and January 2021. Patients with T2DM on basal or premixed insulin were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and transcribed verbatim for analysis using constant comparison and synthesis.Results: Twenty-one participants with different levels of diabetes control and adherence were recruited. Four themes that emerged were 1) patient–provider interaction, 2) addressing the psychological fears, 3) gaining confidence in handling insulin equipment and 4) follow-up after insulin initiation. Among the subthemes, trust in doctors, provider’s communication skills, patient-centred decision-making and continuity of care positively influenced insulin acceptance and adherence. Conversely, fear of being judged by the provider hindered open communication around non-adherence. Various aspects of interaction with nurses helped in alleviating patient’s fear of injection and gaining confidence with the insulin equipment.Conclusion: Many aspects of PPR affect insulin acceptance and adherence. Among these, gaining patients’ trust, effective patient–provider communication, patient-centred decision-making, and ensuring continuity of care improve both insulin acceptance and treatment adherence. Various interactions with nurses help in addressing fears surrounding injection and gaining acceptance towards insulin therapy. Patients’ fear of being blamed or judged by the provider negatively affects open communication around non-adherence.Keywords: insulin initiation, insulin adherence, insulin acceptance, healthcare provider, patient interactions, primary care

People living with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have relative insulin deficiency and, therefore, have options to insulin therapy. To be on insulin alone or in combination with other therapies in type 2 DM outpatients is a choice made personalized for each patient. Published literature on the insulin initiation patterns among T2DM outpatients in Nigeria is scanty. The objective of this study, therefore, is to bridge this gap in knowledge. This was a prospective cross sectional study conducted in five tertiary health facilities in Nigeria in which consenting type 2 DM outpatients on insulin therapy alone or in combination with other therapies and who meet the inclusion criteria for the study were recruited. Relevant data relating to insulin use initiation by the patients were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software. A total of 268 outpatients living with type 2 DM on insulin therapy, made up of 116 (43.3%) male and 152 (56.7%) females participated in the study. Only 55 (20.5%) of the patients started insulin at onset of diagnosis of T2DM while 46 (17.2%) of the patients started insulin therapy after 5 years of living with T2DM. The duration of living with DM before insulin initiation and the patient's highest level of education were not statistically significant. Insulin initiation was delayed several months to years after diagnosis of T2DM by predominantly endocrinologists in tertiary health facilities but it was initiated in 19 (7.1%) of the T2DM outpatients by primary care physicians (GPs) in peripheral hospitals. It is recommended that diabetes education be intensified for T2DM patients to appreciate the key role of insulin therapy in diabetes care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Initiation of insulin is usually delayed even when required. We aim to estimate the association between depressive symptoms on time to become insulin requiring and time to insulin initiation.Methods: 8-year follow-up of a cohort of newly diagnosed people with T2D recruited in south-east London, UK (2008-2012). Baseline depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Time to insulin-requiring was defined when optimal glycaemic levels were not achieved (HbA1c >58 mmol/mol) at least three months after the 2nd oral antidiabetic was prescribed, and time to insulin initiation was defined as first insulin prescription.Results: Seventy percent (n = 1166) of the baseline cohort was followed up. Median time to insulin requiring was 84 months (IQR 63-100) and to insulin initiation 93 months (IQR 79-105). Participants with depressive symptoms at baseline required insulin earlier (mean [SD] 73.64 [32.16] vs. 79.05 [29.07] months, p = 0.007) and were prescribed insulin sooner (82.53 [30.19] vs. 89.72 [22.02] months, p < 0.001). In Cox regression, depressive symptoms at baseline were not associated with time to insulin requiring (HR [95 % CI]; 1.16 [0.86-1.57], p = 0.34) nor to insulin initiation (HR = 1.00 [0.99-1.00], p = 0.49).Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were not associated with time to insulin requiring and initiation after adjusting for potential confounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Is insulin initiation linked to increasing body mass index (BMI) in all patients with type-2-diabetes (T2D)? To determine distinct longitudinal patterns of BMI change over time. Materials and Methods: 5057 patients with T2D (55% males, median BMI [IQR]: 30.0 [26.9-33.3] kg/m2) aged ≥40 years at diabetes diagnosis and with ≥2 years of follow-up after insulin initiation irrespective of previous or concurrent use of metformin/dipeptidyl peptidase-4-inhibitor from the multicenter prospective diabetes registry DPV were studied. To identify subgroups following a similar pattern of BMI change after insulin initiation, longitudinal group-based trajectory modeling was applied. Multinomial logistic regression was then used to analyze covariates associated with group membership. Results: Three heterogeneous groups with either relevant BMI increase (delta-BMI: +4.0 kg/m2 after 2 years; 12% of patients); slight BMI increase (+0.4 kg/m2; 80%); or BMI decrease (-3.2 kg/m2; 8%) were identified. Patients with older age [OR (95% CI): 1.37 (1.11-1.69)] and obesity [2.05 (1.65-2.55)] before insulin start were more often in the BMI decreasing group, and less often in the BMI increasing class [0.80 (0.67-0.95); 0.82 (0.69-0.98)]. A worse HbA1c both at insulin start and during follow-up [1.90 (1.60-2.26); 1.17 (1.07-1.27)], a higher insulin dose [1.67 (1.33-2.10)], and severe hypoglycemic events [2.38 (1.60-3.53)] after insulin initiation were all linked with higher odds of belonging to the BMI increasing trajectory. Conclusions: Patient heterogeneity with respect to weight gain after initiation of insulin therapy in adult T2D was detected by an objective computer algorithm. Older people with obesity should not defer from insulin use due to fear of weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Type 2 diabetes is characterised by a progressive decline in insulin secretion, and sooner or later patients require insulin therapy. However, physicians are reluctant to initiate insulin therapy because of perceived inadequacy in managing insulin therapy, cost and lack of benefits. Experts from across the country met at a workshop during 12th National Insulin Summit which was held in September at Hyderabad and came up with key recommendations to build capacity and confidence in general practitioners for insulin usage. Barriers can be overcome through self-education and training; effective patient education; imparting coping skill training to patients; and bridging gaps to improve adherence. Moreover, optimum insulinization requires knowledge about the available options for initiation and intensification of insulin therapy; various insulin regimens; dosing and titration; and choosing effective and simple insulin therapy as per patient characteristics. Hence, the objective of this review article is to help build capacity and confidence among general practitioners on optimising insulin therapy.

Therapeutic inertia related to insulin treatment, i.e. delays in initiation, especially titration of basal insulin, is a significant problem in daily practice in Southeast European countries. This phenomenon can be traced back to several patient-, physician- and health system-related factors. In recognition of the issue of inadequate insulin titration, 11 leading experts from countries in this region held a consensus-seeking meeting to review the current status of insulin initiation after non-insulin treatment and the potential barriers to insulin titration to provide an algorithm and tools for outpatient physicians and for patients aimed at optimizing basal insulin titration. The experts reached a consensus on the majority of the topics and proposed recommendations on how clinical inertia can be overcome. The outcomes of the meeting have been summarized in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We evaluated the relationship between the timing of insulin initiation and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk in Pennsylvania Medicaid enrollees with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: We included 17,873 enrollees (age 47.4 ± 10.3 years; range 18–64 years) initially treated with non-insulin glucose-lowering agents (GLAs) in 2008–2016. Based on clinical guidelines, we identified early (N = 1,158; 6%; insulin initiation ≤ 6 months after first-line GLAs), in-time (N = 569; 3%; 6–12 months), delayed (N = 2,761; 15%; >12 months), and non-insulin users (N = 13,385; 75%). The Prentice-Williams-Peterson (PWP) models with inverse probability weighting estimated CVD risk across the four groups and the change in risk after insulin initiation. Results: Regardless of time to insulin initiation, insulin users had higher CVD risks after first-line GLAs than non-insulin users (aHR: early: 2.0 [1.5–2.5], in-time: 1.8 [1.2–2.6], delayed: 1.9 [1.6–2.3]). However, we found only a borderline increase in CVD risk after insulin initiation vs. before in early (aHR: 1.4 [1.1–1.8]) and delayed users (aHR: 1.3 [1.0–1.7]), and no increase in in-time users (aHR: 1.3 [0.9–2.0]). Conclusions: We observed no gains in CVD benefits from insulin initiation in the early stages of pharmacotherapy possibly because CVD developed before insulin initiation. Additional management of hypertension and dyslipidemia may be important to reduce CVD risk in this young and middle-aged T2D cohort.

Abstract Aim To conduct a comprehensive review of studies of glycaemic deterioration in type 2 diabetes and identify the major factors influencing progression. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search with terms linked to type 2 diabetes progression. All the included studies were summarized based upon the factors associated with diabetes progression and how the diabetes progression was defined. Results Our search yielded 2785 articles; based on title, abstract and full‐text review, we included 61 studies in the review. We identified seven criteria for diabetes progression: ‘Initiation of insulin’, ‘Initiation of oral antidiabetic drug’, ‘treatment intensification’, ‘antidiabetic therapy failure’, ‘glycaemic deterioration’, ‘decline in beta‐cell function’ and ‘change in insulin dose’. The determinants of diabetes progression were grouped into phenotypic, ethnicity and genotypic factors. Younger age, poorer glycaemia and higher body mass index at diabetes diagnosis were the main phenotypic factors associated with rapid progression. The effect of genotypic factors on progression was assessed using polygenic risk scores (PRS); a PRS constructed from the genetic variants linked to insulin resistance was associated with rapid glycaemic deterioration. The evidence of impact of ethnicity on progression was inconclusive due to the small number of multi‐ethnic studies. Conclusion We have identified the major determinants of diabetes progression—younger age, higher BMI, higher HbA1c and genetic insulin resistance. The impact of ethnicity is uncertain; there is a clear need for more large‐scale studies of diabetes progression in different ethnic groups.

Objectives: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to reduce insulin resistance and improve beta cell function in previous studies. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of TCM can delay the need for insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. Design: Data on patients with type 2 diabetes who received medical treatment for the first time between 2000 and 2003 were obtained from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Among these patients, those with a cumulative use of TCM of more than 28 days were defined as TCM users, and the others as non-users. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the cumulative risk of initiating insulin therapy. Cox proportional hazards models with and without competing risk events were used to evaluate the association between the use of TCM and insulin therapy. Settings/Location: Data were obtained from National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Subjects: Patients with type 2 diabetes who received medical treatment for the first time between 2000 and 2003. Interventions: Among these patients, those with a cumulative use of TCM of more than 28 days were defined as TCM users, and the others as non-users. Outcome measures: After 1:1 propensity score matching, both groups were tracked until the initiation of insulin therapy, death, or the end of 2013. Results: We identified 6524 TCM users and 6524 non-users. The TCM users had a significantly lower risk of insulin initiation in a dose-dependent manner (log-rank test p < 0.001). This effect was consistent across subgroups with different severities of diabetes, and remained significant in competing risk analysis (for TCM users with 28 to 83 days cumulative use, HR 0.78 [0.70–0.87], p < 0.0001; for TCM users with ≥ 84 days cumulative use, HR 0.47 [0.42–0.53], p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The use of TCM in addition to standard diabetes treatment may delay the need for insulin treatment in patients who received medical treatment for type 2 diabetes for the first time. This benefit was strongly dose-dependent and applicable in patients with different severities of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Few studies focus on patients' views on factors influencing implementation of patient decision aids (PDAs). This study aims to explore patients' views on the factors influencing implementation of an "insulin choice" PDA in a primary care setting. Methods: This study used a descriptive qualitative study design. Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide developed based on the theoretical domains framework. Nine in‐depth interviews and three focus group discussions were conducted with patients with type 2 diabetes who have been advised to start insulin or were currently using insulin and those who had been seeking diabetes treatment in the clinic for more than 1 year. Interviews were conducted after the participants were familiarized with the PDA. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Results: Five themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) trust in the physician (patients preferred physicians to other health care providers in delivering the insulin PDA to them as they trusted physicians more when it comes to making decisions such as starting insulin), (b) physician's attitude (patients were more likely to trust a physician who is friendly and sympathetic hence would be more willing to use the insulin PDA), (c) physician's communication style (patients were more willing to use the insulin PDA if the physicians would take time and guide them in the PDA use), (d) conducive environment (patients preferred to read the PDA at home), and (e) cost (patients would not be willing to pay to use the insulin PDA unless they needed it). Conclusions: Patients want physicians to play a major role in the implementation of the insulin PDA; physicians' communication style and commitment may influence implementation outcomes. Health care authorities need to create a conducive environment and provide patients with free access to PDA to promote effective implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To conduct a comprehensive review of studies of glycaemic deterioration in type 2 diabetes and identify the major factors influencing progression. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search with terms linked to type 2 diabetes progression. All the included studies were summarized based upon the factors associated with diabetes progression and how the diabetes progression was defined. Results: Our search yielded 2785 articles; based on title, abstract and full‐text review, we included 61 studies in the review. We identified seven criteria for diabetes progression: 'Initiation of insulin', 'Initiation of oral antidiabetic drug', 'treatment intensification', 'antidiabetic therapy failure', 'glycaemic deterioration', 'decline in beta‐cell function' and 'change in insulin dose'. The determinants of diabetes progression were grouped into phenotypic, ethnicity and genotypic factors. Younger age, poorer glycaemia and higher body mass index at diabetes diagnosis were the main phenotypic factors associated with rapid progression. The effect of genotypic factors on progression was assessed using polygenic risk scores (PRS); a PRS constructed from the genetic variants linked to insulin resistance was associated with rapid glycaemic deterioration. The evidence of impact of ethnicity on progression was inconclusive due to the small number of multi‐ethnic studies. Conclusion: We have identified the major determinants of diabetes progression—younger age, higher BMI, higher HbA1c and genetic insulin resistance. The impact of ethnicity is uncertain; there is a clear need for more large‐scale studies of diabetes progression in different ethnic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop an evidence-based expert group consensus document on the best practices and simple tools for titrating basal insulins in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Background: Glycemic control is suboptimal in a large proportion of persons with T2DM, despite insulin therapy, thereby increasing the risk of potentially severe complications. Early initiation of insulin therapy and appropriate dose titration are crucial to achieving glycemic targets. Attitudes and practices among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and perceptions about insulin therapy among persons with diabetes contribute largely to suboptimal glycemic control. Improving HCP–patient communication, encouraging the use of additional educational tools, and providing support for the titration process to increase confidence, both at the initiation visit and at home, facilitate the optimization of dose titration. In Indian settings, specific guidelines and a consensus statement are lacking on the optimal insulin initiation dose, frequency of dose titration, and basal insulin profile needed to achieve optimal titration. In clinical practice, physicians and persons with diabetes often do not adhere to the titration algorithms that currently exist for the purpose of achieving optimal titration as they perceive these to be very cumbersome. In this context, a group of experts met at an advisory board meeting and arrived at a consensus on best practices for the titration of basal insulin in persons withT2DM in India, using the modified Delphi methodology. Review Results: After a review of evidence and further discussions, the expert group provided recommendations on insulin initiation dose, ideal period for titration in practice, titration regimen for use in practice, basal insulin profile for titration, and choosing a self-monitoring blood glucose schedule for titration. Conclusions: In the management of T2DM, insulin can be effectively titrated by following a few simple recommendations. The use of second-generation basal insulin aids in mitigating the risk of hypoglycemic events. The implementation of a simplified titration regimen is crucial to achieving glycemic targets and long-term treatment goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To systematically identify and describe models of injectable therapy initiation for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in primary care. Methods: Eight electronic databases and the grey literature were searched. Studies examining models of injectable therapy initiation for adults with T2DM in primary care settings were included. Results: Successful models included: 1) Nurse-led one-to-one approach; 2) Nurse-led group sessions; and 3) Providing education to GPs and nurses. Conclusions: Few robust studies were found. Studied models were mainly in general practices, with limited evidence documented about starting people with T2DM on an injectable in the home setting.

Type 2 diabetes is characterised by a progressive decline in insulin secretion, and sooner or later patients require insulin therapy. However, physicians are reluctant to initiate insulin therapy because of perceived inadequacy in managing insulin therapy, cost and lack of benefits. Experts from across the country met at a workshop during 12th National Insulin Summit which was held in September at Hyderabad and came up with key recommendations to build capacity and confidence in general practitioners for insulin usage. Barriers can be overcome through self-education and training; effective patient education; imparting coping skill training to patients; and bridging gaps to improve adherence. Moreover, optimum insulinization requires knowledge about the available options for initiation and intensification of insulin therapy; various insulin regimens; dosing and titration; and choosing effective and simple insulin therapy as per patient characteristics. Hence, the objective of this review article is to help build capacity and confidence among general practitioners on optimising insulin therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the continuously growing number of therapeutic options for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a large percentage of these individuals fail to achieve their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) target. The aim of this study was to determine the change in metabolic control in insulin-naïve T2DM patients inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs) at 6 months after initiating basal insulin treatment as add-on to existing OADs. Methods: This was a non-interventional prospective study conducted from June 2013 to December 2014 in 137 centers in the Czech Republic under routine clinical practice conditions. Adult patients whose diabetes was uncontrolled on their current OAD treatment (HbA1c ≥ 53 mmol/mol; Diabetes Control and Complications Trial [DCCT]-HbA1c 7%) and whose physician had decided to initiate treatment on a basal insulin regimen were documented over a 6-month period beginning from the time of initiation of basal insulin treatment. Results: Overall, 1426 T2DM patients were included in the study, of whom 53% were male. The mean age of the study population was 63.8 ± 10.1 years, mean body mass index was 31.5 ± 5.3 kg/m2, and mean duration of diabetes was 10.2 ± 5.3 years. At the 6-month follow-up, the target HbA1c level of 53 mmol/mol (DCCT < 7%) was achieved by 18% of patients. The mean HbA1c overall had decreased from 77.2 ± 15.1 mmol/mol (DCCT 9.21 ± 1.38%) at baseline to 63.2 ± 12.5 mmol/mol (DCCT 7.93 ± 1.14 %) at the 6-month follow-up. This difference was significant at p < 0.001. The largest mean reduction in HbA1c, i.e., 20.9 mmol/mol (DCCT 2.4 %) was observed in the group of patients with a baseline HbA1c of ≥ 9%. The mean daily basal insulin dose at 6 months was 18.8 ± 8.9 units. Symptomatic hypoglycemia was reported in 12.3% of patients, of those only one patient (0.1%) suffered from severe hypoglycemia. Conclusion: The addition of basal insulin to the therapeutic regimen of insulin-naïve T2DM on OAD treatment resulted in an improved metabolic control of diabetes after 6 months of treatment. However, most patients did not achieve their HbA1c target, probably also due to inadequate titration of basal insulin. Funding: Sanofi, Czech Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Real-world effectiveness of insulin therapy is affected by poor treatment persistence, often occurring soon after initiation. An international cross-sectional survey of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been conducted to describe reasons for non-persistence with insulin therapy.Methods: Responders to an online survey in 7 countries were classified as continuers (no gap of ≥7days), interrupters (interrupted therapy for ≥7days within first 6 months, then restarted), and discontinuers (terminated therapy for ≥7days within first 6 months, no restart before survey). We present the results from the United Kingdom (UK) cohort.Results: Of 942 global respondents, 131 were from the UK, having a mean age of 37years and a mean of 7years since first T2DM diagnosis. Reasons contributing to insulin continuation (n=50) were improved physical feeling (52.0%) and improved glycemic control (48.0%). Common reasons for interruption (n=50) or discontinuation (n=31), respectively were weight gain (50.0%, 48.4%) and hypoglycemia (38.0%, 25.8%). Most important reason for possible re-initiation for interrupters and discontinuers, respectively was persuasion by physician/healthcare professional (74.0%, 64.5%).Conclusion: The benefits of basal insulin therapy motivated continuers to persist with the treatment; experienced or anticipated side effects contributed to interruption and discontinuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient characteristics associated with hypoglycaemia frequency during insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla‐100) titration and clinical outcomes at Week 24 were examined using participant‐level data from 16 treat‐to‐target trials involving individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were inadequately controlled with oral antidiabetes drugs and were initiating Gla‐100 (n = 3549). Hypoglycaemia (plasma glucose <3.9 mmol/L or severe) during the first 8 weeks of titration was stratified by number of events (0, 1‐3 and ≥4), resulting in 72.5%, 20.6% and 6.9% of participants in each group, respectively. Changes in glycaemia, body weight and insulin dose from baseline to Weeks 12 and 24 were analysed. Hypoglycaemia was more common in participants with lower BMI and fasting C‐peptide, and in those undergoing sulfonylurea treatment. Glycaemic outcomes at Week 24 were similar in each hypoglycaemia group, despite the fact that the Week 24 mean daily dose and dose increase for Gla‐100 were highest in participants without hypoglycaemia and were lowest in those experiencing ≥4 events. The risk of hypoglycaemia during Gla‐100 titration depends mainly on patient characteristics and on sulfonylurea use and may delay dose titration, which apparently has little effect on short‐term glycaemic control in a clinical trial setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premixed insulins are an important tool for glycemic control in persons with diabetes. Equally important in diabetes care is the selection of the most appropriate insulin regimen for a particular individual at a specific time. Currently, the choice of insulin regimens for initiation or intensification of therapy is a subjective decision. In this article, we share insights, which will help in rational and objective selection of premixed formulations for initiation and intensification of insulin therapy. The glycemic status and its variations in a person help to identify the most appropriate insulin regimen and formulation for him or her. The evolution of objective glucometric indices has enabled better glycemic monitoring of individuals with diabetes. Management of diabetes has evolved from a ‘glucocentric’ approach to a ‘patient-centered’ approach; patient characteristics, needs, and preferences should be evaluated when considering premixed insulin for treatment of diabetes.Funding: Novo Nordisk, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is currently estimated that 11 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes. Although hyperglycemia is associated with serious complications, it is well established that improved glycemic control reduces the risk of microvascular complications and can also reduce cardiovascular (CV) complications over the long term. The UKPDS and ADVANCE landmark trials have resulted in diabetes guidelines recommending an A1C target of ≤ 7.0% for most patients or a target of ≤ 6.5% to further reduce the risk of nephropathy and retinopathy in those with type 2 diabetes (T2D), if it can be achieved safely. However, half of the people with T2D in Canada are not achieving these glycemic targets, despite advances in diabetes pharmacological management. There are many contributing factors to account for this poor outcome; however, one of the major factors is the delay in treatment advancement, particularly a resistance to insulin initiation and intensification. To simplify the process of initiating and titrating insulin in T2D patients, a group of Canadian experts reviewed the evidence and best clinical practices with the goal of providing guidance and practical recommendations to the diabetes healthcare community at large. This expert panel included general practitioners (GPs), nurses, nurse practitioners, endocrinologists, dieticians, pharmacists, and a psychologist. This article summarizes the panel recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To describe primary care physicians' (PCPs) perceptions of patient reactions and concerns about insulin initiation and identify opportunities for increased support.Methods: Cross-sectional, online survey of PCPs prescribing basal insulin to adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PCPs were identified from administrative claims of a large commercial health plan and descriptive results of PCP responses were reported.Results: PCPs (N=100) treated an average of 17 patients receiving insulin during a typical week. More than 85% of insulin initiation recommendations originated with PCPs. Most offered glucose monitoring instructions (96%) and advice on diet, exercise, and diabetes management (96%); 35% provided insulin titration algorithms; 93% reported that patients often or always took their insulin daily within 3 months of initiation; 31% of PCPs reported monthly office contacts with patients for the first 3 months; 16% reported no outreach efforts; fewer than 20% connected patients with support groups. When starting basal insulin, PCPs reported patients feeling personal failure regarding their diabetes treatment (33% often/always) and lacking confidence in their ability to manage insulin therapy (38% often/always).Conclusions: Study results identify additional opportunities for assisting patients in making the transition to insulin, including more frequent direct outreach to monitor insulin usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin initiation is often delayed in primary care partly because of clinician concerns about the additional clinical work. This study describes health services usage (HSU) pre- and post-insulin initiation in people with type 2 diabetes and out-of-target glycaemic levels. Secondary analysis of participant data from the Stepping Up randomised controlled trial of a model of care for insulin initiation in general practice was undertaken. For 142 people who commenced insulin, HSU in the 6 months prior was compared to that in the 12 months following insulin initiation. Overall, HSU events increased in the 6 months following insulin initiation from a median (IQR) of 18 (15, 29) to 23 (16, 36); (P = 0.05), mostly because of an increase in general practitioner (GP) consultations (6 (4, 10) to 8 (5, 11); (P = 0.01)). HSU and GP consultations subsequently returned to baseline at 12 months. There was no effect on hospitalisations or specialist consultations. Insulin initiation is associated with a small increase in GP consultations that reverts to baseline after 12 months without affecting other health services. This study can inform health services planning and resource allocation at practice and health policy levels to support insulin initiation in general practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To compare the efficiency of standard and structured approaches to self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) initiating insulin treatment. Materials and Methods. This open prospective randomized clinical trial included 51 T2DM patients who initiated insulin therapy in either outpatient or inpatient setting. Subjects were randomized in standard and structured SMBG groups, the structured group used an advanced Accu-Chek 360 View protocol. Evaluation included clinical examination and laboratory testing of HbA1c levels at the beginning of the treatment and after 3 months of the follow-up period. Results. 70% of the structured self-monitoring group and 32% of the control group achieved therapeutic goals (p=0.008). Higher adherence was associated with better glycemic control in both groups ? and vice versa. However, among patients with low adherence, 73% of advanced SMBG group managed to achieve therapeutic goals vs. 19% in the control group (p=0.005). In addition, patients in the structured monitoring group gained less weight as compared to the control (1.0?2.88 kg vs. 3.2?2.56 kg; p=0.005). Conclusion. Structured SMBG commenced at the initiation of insulin therapy improves glycemic control in a greater fraction of patients, especially in those with low adherence to treatment. Structured SMBG also partially alleviates weight gain as side effect of insulin treatment.

The primary clinical goals to be achieved with insulin initiation are elimination of ketosis and hyperglycemia with prevention of chronic complications. Insulin therapy is the mainstay in management of type 1 diabetes, which should be aimed at achieving good glycemic control, with achievement of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Aims and objectives To evaluate the effect of an 'insulin introduction' group visit on insulin initiation and A1C in adults with type 2 diabetes. Background The clinical course of type 2 diabetes involves eventual beta-cell failure and the need for insulin therapy. Patient psychological insulin resistance, provider-related delays and system barriers to timely initiation of insulin are common. Group visits are widely accepted by patients and represent a potential strategy for improving insulin initiation. Design A single two-hour group visit in English or Spanish, facilitated by advanced practice nurses, addressed psychological insulin resistance and encouraged mock injections to overcome needle anxiety. Methods A retrospective review of 273 patients referred from 2008-2012, determined characteristics of group attenders, rates of mock self-injection, rates of insulin initiation and changes in A1C from baseline to 2-6 and 7-12 months postgroup. Change in A1C was compared to patients referred to the group who did not attend ('nonattenders'). Results Of 241 patients eligible for analysis, 87·6% were racial/ethnic minorities with an average A1C of 9·99%. Group attendance rate was 66%; 92% performed a mock injection, 55% subsequently started insulin. By 2-6 months, A1C decreased by 1·37% among group attenders, and by 1·6% in those who did a mock injection and started insulin. Fewer nonattenders started insulin in primary care (40%), experiencing an A1C reduction of 0·56% by 2-6 months. A1C improvements were sustained by 7-12 months among group attenders and nonattenders who started insulin. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses can effectively address patient fears and engage patients in reframing insulin therapy within group visits. Conclusions This one-time nurse-facilitated group visit addressing psychological barriers to insulin in a predominantly minority patient population resulted in increased insulin initiation rates and clinically meaningful A1C reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most studies on barriers and facilitators to implementation of patient decision aids (PDAs) are conducted in the west; hence, the findings may not be transferable to developing countries. This study aims to use a locally developed insulin PDA as an exemplar to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing PDAs in Malaysia, an upper middle-income country in Asia.Methods: Qualitative methodology was adopted. Nine in-depth interviews (IDIs) and three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with policymakers (n = 6), medical officers (n = 13), diabetes educators (n = 5) and a nurse, who were involved in insulin initiation management at an academic primary care clinic. The interviews were conducted with the aid of a semi-structured interview guide based on the Theoretical Domains Framework. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach.Results: Five themes emerged, and they were lack of shared decision-making (SDM) culture, role boundary, lack of continuity of care, impact on consultation time and reminder network. Healthcare providers' (HCPs) paternalistic attitude, patients' passivity and patient trust in physicians rendered SDM challenging which affected the implementation of the PDA. Clear role boundaries between the doctors and nurses made collaborative implementation of the PDA challenging, as nurses may not view the use of insulin PDA to be part of their job scope. The lack of continuity of care might cause difficulties for doctors to follow up on insulin PDA use with their patient. While time was the most commonly cited barrier for PDA implementation, use of the PDA might reduce consultation time. A reminder network was suggested to address the issue of forgetfulness as well as to trigger interest in using the PDA. The suggested reminders were peer reminders (i.e. HCPs reminding one another to use the PDA) and system reminders (e.g. incorporating electronic medical record prompts, displaying posters/notices, making the insulin PDA available and visible in the consultation rooms).Conclusions: When implementing PDAs, it is crucial to consider the healthcare culture and system, particularly in developing countries such as Malaysia where concepts of SDM and PDAs are still novel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progressive nature of type 2 diabetes (T2D) often results in the need for initiation and subsequent intensification of insulin treatment to achieve glycemic control. The aim of this review is to examine published clinical evidence that has directly compared two recommended treatment approaches in patients with T2D: (1) a 'basal plus' regimen, whereby 1-2 injections of prandial insulin are added to basal insulin; or (2) the use of once- or twice-daily premix insulin analogs, which contain both basal and prandial insulin in a single injection. Broadly, the available evidence suggests that both basal plus and premix regimens are comparable in terms of efficacy and safety when used for insulin initiation in insulin-naïve patients and intensification in patients who have failed on basal insulin; instances of greater glycemic control are observed with premix insulin; however, these are often accompanied by increases in hypoglycemia and/or weight relative to basal plus treatment, and results should be interpreted within the context of total insulin doses used. Relatively low numbers of patients achieved glycemic control when both regimens were used for insulin intensification following failure of basal insulin, suggesting that a full basal-bolus regimen and/or the use of different treatments is clinically indicated in certain patients. In summary, the current review argues that both basal plus and premix insulin regimens are relatively efficacious and safe options for patients with T2D during both insulin initiation in insulin-naïve patients and intensification in patients who have failed on basal insulin. This emphasizes the important role of patient-centered factors in clinical decision-making. Funding: Novo Nordisk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insulin treatment is essential in the management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This article focuses on type 2 diabetes and the initiation of insulin. There are many considerations and challenges involved in this process. In this article, the authors will discuss when insulin should be started, selection of insulin, common barriers and potential strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The IMPROVE Control Training program was designed by Indian Academy of Diabetes (IAD), and a non-intervention study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of this standardized healthcare professionals (HCPs) training program on achieving treatment goals in patients with diabetes mellitus and its impact on standard of care. Materials and Methods: This multi-center, parallel group, open-label, non-randomized, non-intervention study included patients with type 2 diabetes who had an HbA1c >9 at time of diagnosis or an HbA1c >7% even after 6 months of initiation of therapy with anti-diabetic agents (Oral anti diabetic agents (OADs) and/or insulin). The data recorded at baseline included demographic characteristics, medical history, and the treatment regimens. Results: The study included 20,493 patients with diabetes, of which 13,295 (64.9%) were men. The mean [standard deviation (SD)] duration of diabetes was 6.4 (4.2) years and 6608 (32.2%) reported complications of diabetes. Poor glycemic control [HbA1c = 9.4 (1.3), FPG (mg/dl) = 181.2 (45.7); mean (SD)] was observed. The postprandial glucose was also high [post-breakfast, lunch, and dinner values in mg/dl were 263.6 (68.5), 278.1 (69.6), and 250.2 (63.7), respectively] in these patients. Failure of OADs was the most common reason cited for initiation of insulin. Premixed insulin was rated the regimen of choice for initiating therapy by the physicians (62.2% vs. 34.5% who preferred basal insulin). Conclusion: The baseline results confirm the poor glycemic control and the delayed initiation and/or inadequacy of treatment in subjects with type 2 diabetes. These results also highlight the need for early and optimal insulin-based therapy.

Aims: To compare persistence and its predictors in type 2 diabetes patients in primary care, initiating either basal supported oral therapy (BOT) or intensified conventional therapy (ICT) with glargine, detemir, or NPH insulin.Methods: In the BOT cohort, 1398 glargine (mean age: 68 years), 292 detemir (66 years), and 874 NPH (65 years) users from 918 practices were retrospectively analyzed (Disease Analyzer, Germany: 2008-2012). The ICT group incorporated 866 glargine (64 years), 512 detemir (60 years), and 1794 NPH (64 years) new users. Persistence was defined as proportion of patients remaining on the initial basal insulin (glargine, detemir and NPH insulin) over 2 years. Persistence was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves (log-rank tests) and Cox regression adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, antidiabetic co-therapy, comorbidities, specialist care, and private health insurance.Results: In BOT, two-year persistence was 65%, 53%, and 59% in glargine, detemir, and NPH users, respectively (p<0.001). In ICT, persistence was higher without differences between groups: 84%, 85%, 86% in glargine, detemir, and NPH, respectively (p=0.536). In BOT, detemir and NPH users were more likely to discontinue basal insulin compared with glargine (detemir vs. glargine: adjusted Hazard Ratio; 95% CI: 1.56; 1.31-1.87; NPH vs. glargine: 1.22; 1.07-1.38). Heart failure (1.39; 1.16-1.67) was another predictor of non-persistence, whereas higher age (per year: 0.99; 0.98-0.99), metformin (0.61; 0.54-0.69), and sulfonylurea co-medication (0.86; 0.77-0.97) were associated with lower discontinuation.Conclusions: In BOT, treatment persistence among type 2 diabetes patients initiating basal insulin is influenced by type of insulin, antidiabetic co-medication, and patient characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To develop and pilot-test the feasibility and effectiveness of an interactive DVD about misconceptions within South Asian communities regarding insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes, for educating patients and community members and training healthcare providers. Methods The project setting was a South Asian (mainly Indian) community in Leicester, UK. Qualitative evidence from our previous studies was used to inform the content of the DVD script and accompanying resources. The intervention involved three components: facilitating DVD viewings for people with/without diabetes in community settings; training healthcare providers involved in managing South Asian patients with diabetes in primary care; and using the DVD and resources in primary care patient consultations. Evaluation involved a range of approaches including face-to-face interviews, telephone feedback and questionnaires. Results Analysis of questionnaires and qualitative feedback from community participants showed some significant changes in attitudes and understanding about insulin and high acceptability of the DVD. Healthcare providers who attended the training found it informative and perceived the DVD and visual resources as potentially useful for facilitating acceptance of insulin. Primary care patient recruitment was challenging, but participants described the DVD as an acceptable and informative way of learning about insulin therapy. Conclusion The DVD intervention was effective and feasible at community and healthcare provider levels. Practice implications Although based on a small sample, at patient level our findings suggested that the DVD worked at different levels helping some to accept the need for insulin and others to consolidate a decision to commence this treatment. Consideration needs to be given to patient engagement strategies for implementation in primary care consultations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: A significant number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus require insulin and little is known about the possible physician-related factors that could cause a delay in the initiation of insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate those factors. Materials and methods: A total of 87 family physicians working at 36 family health centers in urban Malatya participated in our study on a voluntary basis. A self-administered survey form was structured to gather the views of the primary care physicians. The survey was developed based on a review of the literature. The survey consisted of Likert scale item questions regarding knowledge about the disease of diabetes mellitus and the views of the primary care physicians regarding insulin initiation for type 2 diabetic patients. Results: Almost half of the participants (42.5%, n = 37) felt incompetent in the starting dosage adjustment and 40.2% (n = 35) of the participants felt incompetent in maintaining the appropriate dosage adjustment. In terms of sex, female family physicians were found to be more uncertain about the timing of initiating insulin treatment for diabetic patients. Conclusion: This study shows the necessity of continuous education activities and interventions to promote motivation in family physicians to improve care of diabetic patients in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, both underdiagnosis and undertreatment leave many patients exposed to long periods of hyperglycemia and contribute to irreversible diabetes complications. Early glucose control reduces the risk of both macrovascular and microvascular complications, while tight control late in diabetes has little or no macrovascular benefit. Insulin therapy offers the most potent antihyperglycemic effect of all diabetes agents, and has a unique ability to induce diabetes remission when used to normalize glycemia in newly diagnosed patients. When used as a second-line therapy, basal insulin is more likely to safely and durably maintain A1C levels =7% than when insulin treatment is delayed. The use of basal insulin analogs is associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain compared to NPH insulin and pre-mixed insulin. Patient selftitration algorithms can improve glucose control while decreasing the burden on office staff. Finally, recent data suggest that addition of incretin agents to basal insulin may improve glycemic control with very little, if any increased risk of hypoglycemia or weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: When target glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are not reached, basal insulin therapy should be considered in type 2 diabetes. The objective of this report was to describe the predictors of glycemic control (strict criterion: HbA1c ≤6.5%) during the first year after initiating basal insulin therapy in primary care. Methods: The study applied a retrospective approach using a nationwide database in Germany (Disease Analyzer, IMS Health, January 2008 to December 2011, including 1,024 general and internal medicine practices). Potential predictors of glycemic control considered were age, sex, duration of diabetes, type of basal insulin, comedication with short-acting insulin, baseline HbA1c, previous oral antidiabetic drugs, diabetologist care, private health insurance, macrovascular and microvascular comorbidity, and concomitant medication. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted with glycemic control as the dependent variable. Results: A total of 4,062 type 2 diabetes patients started basal insulin (mean age 66 years, males 53%, diabetes duration 4.8 years, mean HbA1c 8.8%), of whom 295 (7.2%) achieved an HbA1c ≤6.5% during the one-year follow-up. Factors positively associated with HbA1c ≤6.5% in logistic regression were male sex (odds ratio 1.59, 95% confidence interval 1.23-2.04), insulin glargine (reference neutral protamine Hagedorn; odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.88), short-acting insulin (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.76), and prior treatment with metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, and diuretics. Lipid-lowering drugs were associated with a lower odds of reaching the glycemic target. Conclusion: Few type 2 diabetes patients (7%) reached the glycemic target (HbA1c ≤6.5%) after one year of basal insulin therapy. Achievement of the glycemic target was associated with type of basal insulin, additional short-acting insulins, previous antidiabetic medication, and other comedication, eg, diuretics or lipid-lowering drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saudi Arabia is a country with high prevalence of diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes, and diabetes-related complications. Poor glycemic control is multifactorial and could be explained in part by physician and patient reluctance toward insulin or insulin inertia. This study aimed to address physician barriers toward insulin therapy in primary care settings. It included 288 physicians from 168 primary healthcare centers (PHC) in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Participants responded to questionnaire investigating physicians' attitude and barriers to insulin initiation and intensification in PHCs. In physician opinion, the most common barriers among their patients were fear of injection, lack of patient education, fear of hypoglycemia, and difficult administration. Physicians were reluctant to initiate insulin for T2D patients mostly due to patient non-adherence to blood sugar measurement, non-adherence to appointment or treatment, elderly patients, or due to patient refusal. Physicians' fear of hypoglycemia, lack of staff for patient education, and lack of updated knowledge were the primary clinician-related barriers. Exaggerated fears of insulin side effects, patient non-adherence, limited staff for patient's education, patient refusal, and inadequate consultation time were the main barriers to insulin acceptance and prescription.

Background The majority of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receive their care in general practice and will eventually require initiation of insulin as part of their management. However, this is often delayed and frequently involves referral to specialists. If insulin initiation is to become more frequent and routine within general practice, coordination of care with specialist services may be required. Relational coordination (RC) provides a framework to explore this. The aim of this study was to explore RC between specialist physicians, specialist diabetes nurses (DNEs), generalist physicians in primary care (GPs) and generalist nurses (practice nurses (PNs)) and to explore the association between RC and the initiation of insulin in general practice, and the belief that it is appropriate for this task to be carried out in general practice. Methods A survey was distributed to a convenience sample of specialist physicians, DNEs, GPs and practice nurses. We collected data on demographics, models of care and RC in relation to insulin initiation. We expected that RC would be higher between specialists than between specialists and generalists. We expected higher RC between specialists and generalists to be associated with insulin initiation in general practice and with the belief that it is appropriate for insulin initiation to be carried out in general practice. We used descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests to explore these hypotheses. Results 179 health professionals returned completed surveys. Specialists reported higher RC with each other and lower RC with PNs. All groups except PNs reported their highest RC with DNEs, suggesting the potential for DNEs to serve as boundary spanners. Lower RC with specialists was reported by those working within a general practice model of care. Health professionals who felt that a general practice model was appropriate reported lower communication with specialist physicians and higher shared knowledge with GPs. Conclusion Given the need for coordination between specialist and generalist care for the task of insulin initiation, this study's results suggest the need to build relationships and communication between specialist and generalist health professional groups and the potential for DNE's to play a boundary spanner role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective There are acknowledged benefits to continuing metformin when initiating insulin, but there appears to be growing concern over the role of sulphonylureas and thiazolidinediones when used in combination with insulin. This analysis investigates the effects of continuing or discontinuing oral antidiabetic drugs ( OADs) following the initiation of once-daily insulin detemir. Methods SOLVE is a 24-week, multinational observational study of insulin detemir initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with one or more OADs. Results In the total cohort ( n = 17 374), there were significant improvements in HbA1c (−1·3%, 95% CI −1·34; −1·27%) and weight (−0·6 kg, 95% CI −0·65; −0·47 kg), with an increase in the incidence rate of minor hypoglycaemia (+0·256 events ppy, P < 0·001), but not severe hypoglycaemia (−0·038 events ppy, P < 0·001). Study participants had information on OAD use either prior to ( n = 17 086) or during insulin initiation ( n = 16 346). HbA1c reductions were significantly greater in patients continuing treatment with metformin (−1·3% vs. −1·1%, P < 0·01), thiazolidinediones (−1·3% vs. −1·0%, P < 0·01) and DPP- IV inhibitors (−1·3% vs. −0·9%, P < 0·001). Final insulin doses were significantly greater in patients discontinuing treatment with sulphonylureas (0·29 vs. 0·26 IU/kg, P < 0·001), glinides (0·28 vs. 0·26 IU/kg, P < 0·01), thiazolidinediones (0·31 vs. 0·26 IU/kg, P < 0·001) and DPP- IV inhibitors (0·35 vs. 0·29 IU/kg, P < 0·001) compared with patients continuing these respective agents. All patient subgroups had a mean weight loss irrespective of OAD continuation, apart from those continuing thiazolidinediones (+0·2 kg). The largest improvements in weight were seen following the withdrawal of sulphonylureas and thiazolidinediones (−1·1 and −1·1 kg, respectively). What is new and conclusion Discontinuation (or switching) of OADs at the time of insulin initiation appears to be governed principally by concerns about hypoglycaemia and weight. HbA1c improvements were smaller in patients discontinuing OADs at the time of insulin initiation and may be associated with insufficient insulin titration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To gain insight into type-2 diabetic patients' perceptions and beliefs about the use of insulin, to explore barriers to initiation of insulin and to evaluate the impact of a short educational intervention regarding patients' resistance to using insulin injections. Subjects and methods: This is an exploratory qualitative study. One-to-one in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of type-2 diabetic patients. Then, a short educational intervention was conducted with the participants. After the intervention, the participants were interviewed to evaluate their acceptance of insulin initiation. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was conducted and the analysis was reviewed independently by two researchers. Results: A total of 13 diabetic patients were included in the study. Before the intervention, 11 subjects refused initiation of insulin. Resistance to initiation of insulin was influenced by misconceptions about insulin therapy, psychological barriers and fear, lack of self-efficacy and fear of adverse effects. All subjects perceived that insulin should only be initiated in very severe diabetes. Some participants demonstrated lack of belief in insulin efficacy. Psychological barriers and fears such as fear of self-injection and personal phobia about blood, needle and pain as well as perceived side effects also hindered insulin acceptance. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that misconceptions about insulin use and psychological barriers played a major role in patients' resistance to initiation of insulin therapy. The study demonstrated, however, that a short educational intervention could dispel patients' fears and erroneous beliefs and help them to start insulin therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]