Willingness to initiate insulin among adults with type 2 diabetes in Australian primary care: Results from the Stepping Up Study

Web-based intervention to reduce psychological barriers to insulin therapy among adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: study protocol for a two-armed randomised controlled trial of 'Is insulin right for me?'

INTRODUCTION

Psychological barriers to insulin therapy are associated with the delay of clinically indicated treatment intensification for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet few evidence-based interventions exist to address these barriers. We describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of a novel, theoretically grounded, psychoeducational, web-based resource designed to reduce psychological barriers to insulin among adults with non-insulin treated T2D: 'Is insulin right for me?'.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Double-blind, parallel group RCT. A target sample of N=392 participants (n=196/arm) will be randomised (1:1) to 'Is insulin right for me?' (intervention) or widely available online resources (control). Eligible participants include adults (18-75 years), residing in Australia, currently taking oral hypoglycaemic agents to manage T2D. They will be primarily recruited via invitations and reminders from the national diabetes registry (from a purposefully selected sample of N≥12 000).

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

experience of self-administered injectable; previously enrolled in pilot RCT; 'very willing' to start insulin as baseline. Outcomes will be assessed via online survey at 2 weeks and 6 months. Primary outcome between-group: difference in mean negative Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scores (ITAS negative) at 2-week and 6-month follow-up.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

between-group differences in mean positive insulin appraisals (ITAS positive) and percentage difference in intention to commence insulin at follow-up time points. All data analyses will be conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (2020-073). Dissemination via peer-reviewed journals, conferences and a plain-language summary.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12621000191897; Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

Attitudes and beliefs of South African primary healthcare practitioners on initiating insulin in people with type 2 diabetes: Findings from the Tshwane Insulin Project (TIP)

AIMS

To investigate the attitudes and beliefs of primary healthcare practitioners (HCPs) towards initiating insulin therapy for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in South Africa.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst HCPs from 23 clinics. The nurses' questionnaire was administered by research nurses while doctors completed an online version about their attitudes, beliefs and perceived barriers to initiating insulin.

RESULTS

Of the 73 HCPs surveyed, 68% were nurses and 84% were women. Only 24% of HCPs believed that most patients would eventually need to initiate insulin regardless of their adherence to treatment regimens and 86% preferred to delay insulin therapy. Doctors were reluctant to initiate insulin, citing patient-related reasons such as low socio-economic level (41%), inability to refrigerate insulin (77%) and inability to self-monitor blood glucose (55%). Doctors mentioned that patient behaviour including not adhering to treatment regimen and appointments (91%) and reluctance to start insulin therapy (82%) influenced their prescription practices. Doctors mentioned that health system factors, including the pressure to see patients quickly (68%) and lack of continuity of care (64%) were barriers to initiating insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimising insulin therapy in primary care requires health system changes including promoting person-centred care and continuing training for HCPs.

'Is Insulin Right for Me?' Development of a theory-informed, web-based resource for reducing psychological barriers to insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To develop a theory and evidence-based web intervention to reduce psychological barriers towards insulin therapy among adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

Salient psychological barriers towards insulin were identified from the literature and classified using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Relevant TDF domains were mapped to evidence-based behaviour change techniques (BCTs), which informed the content for each barrier. Acceptability was explored using cognitive debriefing interviews (n=6 adults with T2D).

RESULTS

'Is Insulin Right for Me' addresses eight barriers, phrased as common questions: Does insulin mean my diabetes is more serious? Do insulin injections cause complications? Is it my fault I need to inject insulin? Will I gain weight? Will injecting hurt? What about hypos? Will injecting insulin be a burden? What will others think of me? BCTs, including persuasive communication and modelling/demonstration, were delivered using appropriate methods (eg, demonstration of the injection process). Participant suggestions for improvement included clear and direct messages, normalising insulin and avoiding confronting images.

CONCLUSIONS

'Is Insulin Right for Me' is the first theory and evidence-based, web intervention designed to reduce psychological barriers towards insulin therapy for adults with T2D. Evaluation is needed to determine its impact on negative appraisals and receptiveness towards insulin.

Our language matters: Improving communication with and about people with diabetes. A position statement by Diabetes Australia

The words used about diabetes affect the physical and emotional health of people living with diabetes. They also affect how individuals and society view people living with, or at risk of, diabetes. People with diabetes, their families, and people at risk of diabetes, need and deserve communications that are clear and accurate, respectful and inclusive, and free from judgement and bias. The aim of this position statement is to help bring about positive change in the language used about diabetes. It is based on 30+ years of research into the experiences of people with diabetes. Changing thelanguage of diabetes can make a powerful and positive difference to the emotional well-being, self-care and health outcomes of people affected by diabetes. It also affects community and government support for funding diabetes care, prevention and research. Diabetes Australia encourages everyone communicating about diabetes, or about people affected by diabetes, to choose and use their words carefully to support all people affected by diabetes. This position statement is intended as a guide for people working in healthcare, the media, government and policy, academia, industry, as well as employers and the community. It may also be helpful for the family and friends of people with diabetes.

Willingness of people with Type 2 diabetes to start insulin therapy: Evidence from the South African Tshwane Insulin Project (TIP)

AIMS

To determine factors associated with 'hypothetical willingness' to start insulin among people with Type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

A quantitative cross-sectional study with insulin-naïve T2DM patients at 23 primary care facilities in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Data collected included demographic and clinical data, willingness to start insulin, attitudes and barriers to insulin therapy. Factors associated with unwillingness to start insulin therapy were explored using a multivariable logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Of 468 T2DM study patients (mean age 57.2, SD = 11.3 years), more than half (51.9%) expressed unwillingness to starting insulin therapy. Unwillingness was associated with negative attitudes (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.12-1.55, p = 0.001) and reluctance (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.27-1.57, p < 0.001) rather than age, sex, education or diabetes duration. The strongest reasons for patient unwillingness were injection anxieties, fear of needles, insufficient knowledge of insulin, feeling unable to cope with insulin and concerns about out-of-pocket costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The prospect of insulin therapy disturbs patients' sense of self and their psychological wellbeing. The high prevalence of psychological insulin resistance among these T2DM patients needs to be addressed for effective diabetes management.

Guiding Glucose Management Discussions Among Adults With Type 2 Diabetes in General Practice: Development and Pretesting of a Clinical Decision Support Tool Prototype Embedded in an Electronic Medical Record

BACKGROUND

Managing type 2 diabetes (T2D) requires progressive lifestyle changes and, sometimes, pharmacological treatment intensification. General practitioners (GPs) are integral to this process but can find pharmacological treatment intensification challenging because of the complexity of continually emerging treatment options.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to use a co-design method to develop and pretest a clinical decision support (CDS) tool prototype (GlycASSIST) embedded within an electronic medical record, which uses evidence-based guidelines to provide GPs and people with T2D with recommendations for setting glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) targets and intensifying treatment together in real time in consultations.

METHODS

The literature on T2D-related CDS tools informed the initial GlycASSIST design. A two-part co-design method was then used. Initial feedback was sought via interviews and focus groups with clinicians (4 GPs, 5 endocrinologists, and 3 diabetes educators) and 6 people with T2D. Following refinements, 8 GPs participated in mock consultations in which they had access to GlycASSIST. Six people with T2D viewed a similar mock consultation. Participants provided feedback on the functionality of GlycASSIST and its role in supporting shared decision making (SDM) and treatment intensification.

RESULTS

Clinicians and people with T2D believed that GlycASSIST could support SDM (although this was not always observed in the mock consultations) and individualized treatment intensification. They recommended that GlycASSIST includes less information while maintaining relevance and credibility and using graphs and colors to enhance visual appeal. Maintaining clinical autonomy was important to GPs, as they wanted the capacity to override GlycASSIST's recommendations when appropriate. Clinicians requested easier screen navigation and greater prescribing guidance and capabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

GlycASSIST was perceived to achieve its purpose of facilitating treatment intensification and was acceptable to people with T2D and GPs. The GlycASSIST prototype is being refined based on these findings to prepare for quantitative evaluation.

A Behavioral Perspective of Therapeutic Inertia: A Look at the Transition to Insulin Therapy

From a behavioral perspective, therapeutic inertia can happen when obstacles to changing a diabetes treatment plan outweigh perceived benefits. There is a complex interaction of important treatment-related obstacles for people with diabetes (PWD), their treating health care professional (HCP), and the clinical setting in which they interact. Tipping the scales toward more effective action involve strategies that increase perceptions of the benefits of treatment intensification while addressing important obstacles so that treatment changes are seen by both PWD and HCPs as worthwhile and achievable.

High Prevalence of Diabetes Distress in a University Population

Context

Diabetes distress is an affective condition that addresses an individual's frustrations, worries, and concerns about living with diabetes. It is associated with fewer self-care behaviors, suboptimal glycemic control, and lower quality of life (QOL). For these reasons, diabetes care guidelines recommend routine assessment of diabetes distress.

Objective

To assess diabetes distress in a university population.

Methods

This study was conducted using a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Researchers assessed diabetes distress and other psychosocial factors via an electronic anonymous survey among students, faculty, and staff at a large university in the Midwest.

Results

A total of 173 participants completed the survey (mean [SD] age, 35.1 [16.7] years), with 108 [62.4%] female and 142 [82.1%] white participants). Eighty-five participants had type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and 88 had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Of the 85 T1DM participants, 23 (27.4%) reported high diabetes distress, and 27 (30.7%) T2DM participants reported high diabetes distress. Sixteen T1DM (18.8%) and 15 T2DM (17.0%) participants screened positive for severe depression. Severe depression was associated with high distress for both T1DM and T2DM participants (T1DM: χ2=28.845, P<.001; T2DM: χ2=20.679, P<.001). Participants with T1DM reported more frequent self-care behaviors (mean [SD], 62.3 [17.1] vs 52.2 [19.2]; P<.001), but lower diabetes QOL (63.3 [14.1] vs 68.5 [15.5]; P=.021) compared with T2DM participants. No differences were observed in depressive symptoms, diabetes self-efficacy, and coping styles. Linear regression models showed that high diabetes distress scores (standardized β=.323, P=.025; standardized β=.604, P<.001) were independently associated with higher hemoglobin A1C levels and lower diabetes QOL after controlling for depressive symptoms, age, and gender in T1DM participants. Similarly, high diabetes distress scores (standardized β=.434, P<.001) were associated with lower diabetes QOL in T2DM participants after controlling for the same variables.

Conclusion

High diabetes distress levels were associated with lower diabetes QOL for both T1DM and T2DM participants. These findings suggest that attending or working at a university may be associated with high diabetes distress scores and lower diabetes QOL. Additional research with a larger, more diverse sample from multiple universities is needed to confirm these findings.

Barriers to good glycemic control levels and adherence to diabetes management plan in adults with Type-2 diabetes in Jordan: a literature review

Poorly controlled Type-2 diabetes is considered a significant public health problem and associated with adverse outcomes in Jordan. This review focuses on barriers to good glycemic control levels and adherence to diabetes management plan in adults with Type-2 diabetes in Jordan. The aim was to identify the extent of Type-2 diabetes and the influence of knowledge, perceptions and sociocultural factors on adherence to the diabetes management plan. Thirty-two studies were included in the literature review. The high prevalence rate of poorly controlled Type-2 diabetes is associated with many negative consequences among patients in Jordan. Despite the publication of research findings that have shown the importance of adherence to diet, physical activity, medications, monitoring blood glucose and foot care, the level of adherence is still unsatisfactory among patients in Jordan. This review also identified that social, cultural and religious factors influence diabetes management. These factors highlighted the overwhelming influence of socio-cultural factors and lifestyles as determinants of patients' health and health behaviors. For example, the influence of family, friends and culture on herbal use and food preferences that patients make on a daily basis and during social gatherings. A holistic approach incorporating patient-centered care could usefully be incorporated into educational programs to improve the understanding of patients' health and information needs. The importance of factors beyond the individual level in terms of social, cultural, organizational and policy influences such as food habits, religious beliefs and lack of continuity of care were identified as key factors which influence adherence to the diabetes management plan. Recognition of multiple determinants of patients' health among health care professionals may expand the scope of interventions to seek to modify social norms and values and improve patient outcomes.

Identifying solutions to psychological insulin resistance: An international study

AIMS

To identify actions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) that facilitate the transition to insulin therapy (IT) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) adults.

METHODS

Included were T2Ds in seven countries (n = 594) who reported initial IT reluctance but eventually began IT. An online survey included 38 possible HCP actions: T2Ds indicated which may have occurred and their helpfulness. Also reported were delays in IT start after initial recommendation and any period of IT discontinuation.

RESULTS

Exploratory factor analysis of HCP actions yielded five factors: "Explained Insulin Benefits" (EIB), "Dispelled Insulin Myths" (DIM), "Demonstrated the Injection Process" (DIP), "Collaborative Style" (CS) and "Authoritarian Style" (AS). Highest levels of helpfulness occurred for DIP, EIB and CS; lowest for AS. Participants who rated DIP as helpful were less likely to delay IT than those who rated DIP as less helpful (OR = 0.75, p = 0.01); participants who rated CS and EIB as helpful were less likely to interrupt IT than those who rated these as less helpful (OR = 0.55, p < 0.01; OR = 0.51, p = 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Three key HCP actions to facilitate IT initiation were identified as helpful and were associated with more successful initiation and persistence. These findings may aid the development of interventions to address reluctance to initiating IT.

GP-OSMOTIC trial protocol: an individually randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (r-CGM) on HbA1c in adults with type 2 diabetes in general practice

INTRODUCTION

Optimal glycaemia can reduce type 2 diabetes (T2D) complications. Observing retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (r-CGM) patterns may prompt therapeutic changes but evidence for r-CGM use in T2D is limited. We describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) examining intermittent r-CGM use (up to 14 days every three months) in T2D in general practice (GP).

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

General Practice Optimising Structured MOnitoring To achieve Improved Clinical Outcomes is a two-arm RCT asking 'does intermittent r-CGM in adults with T2D in primary care improve HbA1c?'

PRIMARY OUTCOME

Absolute difference in mean HbA1c at 12 months follow-up between intervention and control arms.

SECONDARY OUTCOMES

(a) r-CGM per cent time in target (4-10 mmol/L) range, at baseline and 12 months; (b) diabetes-specific distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes).

ELIGIBILITY

Aged 18-80 years, T2D for ≥1 year, a (past month) HbA1c>5.5 mmol/mol (0.5%) above their individualised target while prescribed at least two non-insulin hypoglycaemic therapies and/or insulin (therapy stable for the last four months). Our general glycaemic target is 53 mmol/mol (7%) (patients with a history of severe hypoglycaemia or a recorded diagnosis of hypoglycaemia unawareness will have a target of 64 mmol/mol (8%)).Our trial compares r-CGM use and usual care. The r-CGM report summarising daily glucose patterns will be reviewed by GP and patient and inform treatment decisions. Participants in both arms are provided with 1 hour education by a specialist diabetes nurse.The sample (n=150/arm) has 80% power to detect a mean HbA1c difference of 5.5 mmol/mol (0.5%) with an SD of 14.2 (1.3%) and alpha of 0.05 (allowing for 10% clinic and 20% patient attrition).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

University of Melbourne Human Ethics Sub-Committee (ID 1647151.1). Dissemination will be in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and a plain-language summary for participants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

>ACTRN12616001372471; Pre-results.

Predictors of insulin uptake among adults with type 2 diabetes in the Stepping Up Study

AIMS

We aimed to investigate predictors of insulin uptake, and change in insulin appraisals, among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who participated in the Stepping Up trial.

METHODS

The Stepping Up model of care, supporting timely insulin initiation in primary care, was evaluated in a two-armed cluster-randomised controlled trial. Participants were 266 adults (mean±SD age 62±10years; 39% women) with T2DM (median (IQR) duration 8.5 (5, 13)years) from 74 primary care practices (Stepping Up intervention: 57%, control 43%). At 12months, 47% (n=126) had commenced insulin. Controlling for randomisation, logistic regression was used to explore baseline predictors of insulin uptake, including: demographic and clinical characteristics, emotional wellbeing (depressive symptoms and diabetes-related distress), insulin treatment appraisals, and, 'willingness' to initiate insulin. Two-way analysis of variance examined effects of, and interaction between, randomisation and insulin uptake on 12-month change in insulin appraisals.

RESULTS

Participants using insulin at 12months were more likely (all p<0.05) than those with non-insulin-treated T2DM to report: lower socioeconomic status, higher baseline HbA1c (median difference: 0.3%; 3mmol/mol), greater willingness to commence insulin (very willing: 27% vs 12%), and less negative and more positive insulin appraisals. All contributed significantly to the final model (χ²(8)=92.1, p<0.001) except insulin appraisals. Regardless of trial allocation, those initiating insulin reported significantly greater reductions in negative insulin appraisals.

CONCLUSIONS

Controlling for randomisation, 12-month insulin use was predicted by higher baseline HbA1c and 'willingness' to use insulin if recommended. Negative insulin appraisals reduced following insulin initiation.

Clinical inertia and its impact on treatment intensification in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Many people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) fail to achieve glycaemic control promptly after diagnosis and do not receive timely treatment intensification. This may be in part due to 'clinical inertia', defined as the failure of healthcare providers to initiate or intensify therapy when indicated. Physician-, patient- and healthcare-system-related factors all contribute to clinical inertia. However, decisions that appear to be clinical inertia may, in fact, be only 'apparent' clinical inertia and may reflect good clinical practice on behalf of the physician for a specific patient. Delay in treatment intensification can happen at all stages of treatment for people with T2DM, including prescription of lifestyle changes after diagnosis, introduction of pharmacological therapy, use of combination therapy where needed and initiation of insulin. Clinical inertia may contribute to people with T2DM living with suboptimal glycaemic control for many years, with dramatic consequences for the patient in terms of quality of life, morbidity and mortality, and for public health because of the huge costs associated with uncontrolled T2DM. Because multiple factors can lead to clinical inertia, potential solutions most likely require a combination of approaches involving fundamental changes in medical care. These could include the adoption of a person-centred model of care to account for the complex considerations influencing treatment decisions by patients and physicians. Better patient education about the progressive nature of T2DM and the risks inherent in long-term poor glycaemic control may also reinforce the need for regular treatment reviews, with intensification when required.

Assessing Psychological Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes: a Critical Comparison of Measures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aims to examine the operationalisation of 'psychological insulin resistance' (PIR) among people with type 2 diabetes and to identify and critique relevant measures.

RECENT FINDINGS

PIR has been operationalised as (1) the assessment of attitudes or beliefs about insulin therapy and (2) hypothetical or actual resistance, or unwillingness, to use to insulin. Five validated PIR questionnaires were identified. None was fully comprehensive of all aspects of PIR, and the rigour and reporting of questionnaire development and psychometric validation varied considerably between measures. Assessment of PIR should focus on the identification of negative and positive attitudes towards insulin use. Actual or hypothetical insulin refusal may be better conceptualised as a potential consequence of PIR, as its assessment overlooks the attitudes that may prevent insulin use. This paper provides guidance on the selection of questionnaires for clinical or research purpose and the development of new, or improvement of existing, questionnaires.