Randomized Trial on the Influence of the Length of Two Insulin Pen Needles on Glycemic Control and Patient Preference in Obese Patients With Diabetes
By Kreugel, Gillian; Keers, Joost C.; Kerstens, Michiel N.; Wolffenbuttel, Bruce H.R.; Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Volume 13, Number 7, pages 737-741Publication Date: 2011
Study determined the influence of needle length for insulin administration on metabolic control and patient preference in obese patients with diabetes mellitus. Participants were 130 insulin-treated type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients with a mean age of 60.5 years and a body mass index of 30 kilograms per square meter or higher, 56 of whom were women and 126 of whom completed the study. Participants were randomized into two groups. Group A started using a 31 gauge, 5 millimeter insulin pen needle for 3 consecutive months, after which they switched to a 31 gauge, 8 millimeter needle for another 3 months. Group B used these two different needles in reverse order. Hemoglobin A1c (A1C), fructosamine, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol were measured, and self reported side effects and patient preference were recorded. No within-group changes were observed with respect to A1C, serum fructosamine, 1,5-anhydroglucitol, hypoglycemic events, bruising, and pain. When data of all 126 participants were pooled, there was a small but statistically significant difference of A1C of 0.12 percent in favor of the 5 millimeter needle. Patients reported less bleeding with the 5 millimeter needle and less insulin leakage from the skin with the 8 millimeter needle. There were no significant differences in user preference, with 46 percent of participants preferring the 5 millimeter needle, 41 percent the 8 millimeter needle, and 13 indicating no length preference. The authors conclude that contrary to some patient instruction information, the 5 millimeter needles can be safely used for insulin injections in obese patients with diabetes mellitus.
Published by: Mary Ann Liebert Publishers, Incorporated (Website:http://www.liebertpub.com)
Link to text: http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/full/10.1089/dia.2011.0010
