Exploratory study on glycemic control improvement for patients with diabetes mellitus by appropriate re-education on insulin self-injection technique during COVID-19 pandemic. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Honjo, Sachiko; Koshii, Yukako; Tozaka, Shusaku; Tateno, Hiroko; Keidai, Yamato; Seno, Yohei; Iwasaki, Yorihiro; Iwasaki, Kanako; Ayano, Shiho; Hamasaki, Akihiro
• Is Part Of: Diabetes research and clinical practice. Volume 195(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Diabetes mellitus -- Insulin treatment -- Self-injection technique -- Re-education -- COVID-19 pandemic; Diabetes -- Periodicals; Diabetes Mellitus -- Periodicals; 616.462
• DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2022.110192
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-8227

Abstract

Highlights: Providing continuous re-education on self-injection technique reduced HbA1c level. Palpatory checking of lipohypertrophy was more effective than visual inspection. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Abstract: Aims: To conduct a study on glycemic control improvement by appropriate re-education on the self-injection technique (SIT) in patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing insulin therapy. Methods: Patients who received appropriate SIT and were treated with insulin for more than a year were re-educated. For the observation period of six months, the subjects' SIT was checked, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured at each visit. HbA1c levels, insulin doses, and behavioral changes in SIT were investigated at baseline and at the end of the observation period. Results: In the per-protocol set population, the HbA1c level decreased by 0.2 % (2.0 mmol/mol) on average, showing a significant difference ( p = 0.009). No significant difference was observed in the proportion of subjects with decreased HbA1c levels, changes in total daily insulin doses, or blood glucose levels. Four of the six SIT items covered by re-education were improved. Conclusions: Providing re-education on insulin SIT was considered effective in reducing HbA1c levels and improving adherence to proper SIT.