Background:
Type 2 diabetic patients often require insulin therapy for better glycaemic
control. However, many of these patients do not receive insulin or do not receive it in a timely
manner.
Objective:
The study was planned to assess the proportion of type 2 diabetic patients attaining
treatment goals as per the ADA 2018 guidelines. In addition, patient’s perception on insulin
therapy assessed and compared between insulin naïve and insulin initiated type 2 diabetic
patients.
Methods:
The study was conducted in type 2 diabetic patients. Data on their demographics,
medical history, duration of diabetes, history of diabetes related complications, the current
antidiabetic medication received, most recent glycaemic parameters were noted. Patient’s
perception on insulin initiation was recorded through structured interview.
Results:
A total of 129 patients were included in the study. Around 76.7% patients achieved
HbA1c target (<7%). Duration of the disease is much higher in patients who did not meet the
HBA1c target. A good number of patients felt that insulin injection would be physically painful
(56.5%). Majority of the patients also felt that insulin will make their life less flexible (64.8%).
Many patients are having the opinion that insulin is required for life long (73.2%). More
number of patients on insulin agreed with the statement ‘Leads to good short-term outcomes
as well as long-term benefits’ compared to insulin naïve patients.
Conclusion:
The results highlight that the proportion of patients achieving recommended
glycaemic target is not satisfactory. Many patients who are inadequately controlled with oral
antidiabetic drugs were reluctant to initiate insulin.
Effects of Comorbidities, Inflammation and Glycaemic Control on Length of Hospital Stay/Potentially Avoidable Readmission Risk in Type 2 Diabetic Patients- A Retrospective Analysis
