The Proportion of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Achieving Treatment Goals and the Survey of Patients' Attitude Towards Insulin In tiation ini Patient s with Inadequate Glycaemic Control with Oral Anti-diabetic Drugs.

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 of insulin therapy was 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 anti-diabetic medication received, and the most recent glycaemic parameters were all noted. Patient's perception of insulin initiation was recorded through a structured interview.

RESULTS

A total of 129 patients were included in the study. Around 76.7% patients achieved HbA1c target (<7%). The 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%). The majority of the patients also felt that insulin would make their life less flexible (64.8%). Many patients have 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 the recommended glycaemic target is not satisfactory. Many patients who are inadequately controlled with oral anti-diabetic drugs were reluctant to initiate insulin.