Improved insulin injection technique, treatment satisfaction and glycemic control: Results from a large cohort education study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate injection techniques, treatment satisfaction and glycemic control after education among patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: 4513 insulin-treated diabetic patients enrolled in the observational study EGIDA II (Education and GensuPen In Diabetology II) filled out the questionnaire which focused on key insulin injection parameters, pain sensation scale and satisfaction of the treatment form before (visit 1) and after 3 months treatment with insulin injection (visit 2). The education was performed by trained healthcare professionals. To assess the utility and comfort during using new automatic injection system (GensuPen) we separated 2 groups: A – treated with GensuPen and B – treated with other pens. RESULTS: The education resulted in increased number of patients who properly remix cloudy insulin; inject insulin into skin; change every time the injection site; use the pen needle only once; prepare a pen for injection and store insulin. We noticed significant decrease in BMI and sensation of pain in both groups. Our study revealed that patients’ satisfaction with the treatment increased with each of the 5 items (type of the treatment, mood, physical activity, vital energy, a sense of control over the disease) using a 5-point scale, with greater increase in group A. The utility and comfort (weight, thickness, easiness in remove pen cap, cleaning, twisting, keeping in hand the pen, dial the dose, readable signaling of injected dose) during using the GensuPen significantly increased in group A. Finally the mean glucose level in self-control diary was significantly lower after 3 months of the treatment in both groups, however the difference between visit 1 and 2 was greater in group A. CONCLUSION: The study showed that proper selection of pen and professional education can result in the improvement of insulin injection technique, higher patients’ satisfaction and better glycemic control.