Novo pen acceptance during injections in niddm patients : a multicenter, open randomized, cross-over study

Abstract EN

This multicenter, open, randomized, cross-over study compared the acceptance of insulin therapy start¬ed using the pen injector NovoPen 3 with that of syringes/vials in 50 NIDDM patients.

It consisted of a 4- week run-in and two consecutive 8-week periods of insulin administration (Periods 1 and 2).

Group A used NovoPen 3 during the run-in phase and Period 1, and then conventional administration in Period 2; Group B used conventional administration during the run-in phase and Period 1 and NovoPen 3 in Period 2.

Acceptance was evaluated by the questionnaires at the end of periods 1 and 2.

Regardless of the sequence of use, patients perceived NovoPen 3 as easier and faster to use than syringes/vials.

Injection pain was also reduced with NovoPen 3 (p= 0.00003).

At the end of the study, most patients (90%) preferred to continue on NovoPen 3.

Glycemic control showed a similar improvement in both groups during the study.

In conclusion, when starting insulin therapy, NovoPen 3 is better accepted by NIDDM patients than syringes /vials.

Use of pen devices such as NovoPen 3 may help improve acceptance of insulin therapy in NIDDM patients, who are often reluctant to begin and continue with insulin injection.