Switching from premixed insulin to glargine improves diabetes control
Author Information
Author(s): Peter Sharplin, Jason Gordon, John R Peters, Anthony P Tetlow, Andrea J Longman, Philip McEwan
Primary Institution: CHKS Health Economics Unit, Health Park, Cardiff, UK
Hypothesis
Does switching from premixed insulin to a glargine-based regimen improve glycaemic control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
Conclusion
Switching to a glargine-based insulin regimen significantly improves glycaemic control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled by premixed insulins.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with type 1 diabetes saw a mean HbA1c reduction of -0.67%.
- Patients with type 2 diabetes experienced a mean HbA1c reduction of -0.53%.
- The greatest HbA1c improvement was in patients with a baseline HbA1c ≥ 10%.
- The proportion of patients using bolus insulin increased significantly after switching.
- Total daily insulin use increased in type 2 diabetes patients after the switch.
Takeaway
If you have diabetes and your current insulin isn't working well, switching to a different type called glargine can help you control your blood sugar better.
Methodology
Retrospective observational analysis using data from a UK GP database, evaluating changes in HbA1c after switching from premixed to glargine insulin.
Potential Biases
The decision to switch insulin was based on clinical judgment, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for all confounding factors; hypoglycaemic episodes were inconsistently reported.
Participant Demographics
528 patients (183 with type 1 diabetes and 345 with type 2 diabetes), mean age 22.9 years for type 1 and 55.8 years for type 2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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