Glycemic Control and Awareness of Insulin Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: Glycemic control is associated with better health outcomes among patients with diabetes. No previous research has examined the relationship between knowledge of one’s insulin dose and glycemic control. This study sought to determine if patients who accurately recalled their insulin dose achieved better glycemic control than patients who could not remember their dose.

Methods: Interviews were conducted with 106 patients. Data were collected during patients’ appointments at two endocrinology clinics in Wichita, Kansas from May 29, 2018 to February 15, 2019. Adequate glycemic control was defined as an HbA1c of less than 7.5%.  A multiple logistic regression model was developed to identify factors associated with glycemic control.   

Results: Of the 109 patients asked to participate, 105 agreed to participate in the study. About half (45%, n = 48) were male. Patients’ mean age was 50 years (SD = 17). Seventy-seven percent (n = 81) were overweight (body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9) or obese (BMI >30). Patients who correctly stated their insulin dose had a mean Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 6.9% (SD = 0.98), whereas those who incorrectly stated their dose had a mean HbA1c of 9.5% (SD = 1.9; p <0.0001).  

Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between knowledge of one’s insulin dose and adequate glycemic control.