Perceived Future Outcomes of Unsuccessful Treatment and Their Association with Treatment Persistence Among Type-2 Diabetes Patients: A Cross-Sectional Content Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Despite the known strong association between patients' knowledge of outcomes of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and treatment persistence, this knowledge in this patient population requires further clarification. The aim of our study was to reveal the perception of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among patients with T2DM and its association with treatment persistence by analysing answers to open-ended questions.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 106 patients with T2DM who lived in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, had a medical record in the Fukushima National Health Insurance Organisation database and had no cognitive problems were enrolled by purposive sampling. Treatment status was defined as "non-persistent" when a participant's treatment medical record was absent for a continuous period of ≥ 6 months; otherwise, it was referred to as "persistent". We asked about the possible future problems of untreated T2DM, inductively classified the open answers into 15 codes and then statistically examined the association between these codes and treatment persistence using logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

Persistent treatment was prevalent among participants who mentioned the code "treatment", which encompasses the terms that indicated invasiveness, such as dialysis, insulin injection, and shots (odds ratio 4.339; 95% confidence interval 1.104-17.055).

CONCLUSION

Persistent treatment was prevalent among patients with T2DM who mentioned the code "treatment", suggesting that these patients may anticipate a threat due to the invasiveness of diabetes and thus participate in persistent treatment to avoid this threat. Healthcare professionals should provide appropriate information and supportive conditions to achieve both a reduced feeling of threat and persistent treatment engagement.

'Is Insulin Right for Me?': web-based intervention to reduce psychological barriers to insulin therapy among adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes - a randomised controlled trial

AIMS

To test 'Is Insulin Right for Me?', a theory-informed, self-directed, web-based intervention designed to reduce psychological barriers to insulin therapy among adults with type 2 diabetes. Further, to examine resource engagement and associations between minimum engagement and outcomes.

METHODS

Double-blind, two-arm randomised controlled trial (1:1), comparing the intervention with freely available online information (control). Eligible participants were Australian adults with type 2 diabetes, taking oral diabetes medications, recruited primarily via national diabetes registry.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

prior use of injectable medicines; being 'very willing' to commence insulin. Data collections were completed online at baseline, two-week and six-month follow-up.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

negative Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS) scores; secondary outcomes: positive ITAS scores and hypothetical willingness to start insulin.

ANALYSES

intention-to-treat (ITT); per protocol (PP) examination of outcomes by engagement.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12621000191897 RESULTS: No significant ITT between-arm (intervention: n=233; control: n=243) differences were observed in primary (two weeks: Mdiff [95% CI]: -1.0 [-2.9 to 0.9]; six months: -0.01 [-1.9 to 1.9]), or secondary outcomes at either follow-up. There was evidence of lower Negative ITAS scores at two-week, but not six-month, follow-up among those with minimum intervention engagement (achieved by 44%) compared to no engagement (-2.7 [ -5.1 to -0.3]).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to existing information, 'Is insulin right for me?' did not improve outcomes at either timepoint. Small intervention engagement effects suggest it has potential. Further research is warranted to examine whether effectiveness would be greater in a clinical setting, following timely referral among those for whom insulin is clinically indicated.

Validation and application of the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale in Cuban patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to validate the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS) in the Cuban population with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, multicentre analytical study was performed in Cuba from February 2020 to April 2021; 199 patients were surveyed in a hospital institution and in primary healthcare. We used the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale, consisting of 20 items, with a minimum score of 20 points and a maximum of 100, where the higher the score, the worse the perception of insulin therapy. The validity of the instrument was determined by means of an exploratory factor analysis. The internal consistency and reliability of the scale were calculated by means of Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A K-means cluster analysis was performed to establish a cut-off point for poor perception of insulin therapy.

RESULTS

The exploratory factor analysis supported the validity of the instrument, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.747. There were statistically significant differences between patients under insulin and non-insulin treatment in terms of the answers given in all items of the scale. The total mean score obtained was 51.96 ± 10.78, and it was lower in insulin users compared to those who used other drugs (49.79 ± 10.07 vs 55.09 ± 11.12). A score ≥65 was proposed as a cut-off point for poor perception of insulin therapy. A positive relationship was found between the body mass index values and the total score of the scale. Being female and current treatment not involving insulin were factors associated with low perception of insulin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The instrument proved to be valid for the population in which it was applied. Insulin users turned out to be the ones with the best perception about its use. A cut-off point of ≥65 points for poor perception of insulin treatment was proposed for evaluation and comparison in future studies in other patient populations.

Assessing barriers to insulin therapy among people with type 2 diabetes in South Africa using the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale: A cross-sectional survey

AIMS

To assess barriers to insulin therapy among people with type 2 diabetes after adapting the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS) to the South African context.

METHODS

A panel of experts reviewed the original ITAS for clarity and relevance to the South African context. The ITAS was administered to 253 adults with type 2 diabetes attending diabetes outpatient clinics in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was tested and construct validity was examined using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). PIR was appraised in insulin users and non-users.

RESULTS

The EFA revealed that the adapted ITAS had a two-factor structure, similar to the original scale, with acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.85). Insulin-using participants had significantly less negative attitudes to insulin therapy than non-users (40.7 ± 7.1 vs. 51.5 ± 11.2, p < 0.001). Compared to participants who used insulin, participants who did not use insulin were afraid of injecting themselves with a needle (71% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and saw insulin treatment as a sign of worsening diabetes (63% vs. 29%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with previous studies, participants who were not using insulin had more negative beliefs and attitudes towards insulin treatment than those who were already using insulin. South African clinicians should use the ITAS to assess positive and negative perceptions regarding insulin therapy in both insulin-naïve and insulin-treated people, to evaluate interventions to reduce PIR and improve treatment outcomes.

Key factors for overcoming psychological insulin resistance: A qualitative study in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

We report the key factors that motivate reluctant Japanese people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) to initiate insulin treatment.

METHODS

Participants were asked questions pertaining to 2 primary areas of exploration in a concurrent mixed methods approach: (a) understanding people's thoughts and perceptions before and after insulin initiation and any related factors; and (b) exploring the reasons behind people's responses. Data were analyzed using Steps for Coding and Theorization.

RESULTS

Participant responses broadly related to 3 themes which influence insulin initiation; 1. Advice from a health care provider (HCP) that insulin is an appropriate treatment; 2. Demonstration by HCPs on how to use the insulin pen/needle and the injection process; and 3. Resignation/surrender/acceptance of insulin, where participants felt there was no other choice but to commence insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the 3 identified themes, it is important for HCPs to explain the benefits of insulin and demonstrate and explain the injection procedure to reluctant Japanese people with T2D. We also identified resignation/surrender/acceptance of insulin as a reason for treatment commencement. This study provides important information to assist HCPs in helping reluctant Japanese people with T2D to initiate basal insulin therapy.

Overcoming psychological insulin resistance: A practical guide for healthcare professionals

Despite the demonstrated benefits of using insulin, nearly a third of the patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are initially reluctant to initiate insulin therapy when it is first recommended by their healthcare provider (HCP). Several studies have documented the reasons for this phenomenon known as psychological insulin resistance (PIR) and also identified actionable strategies for HCPs to assist people with T2D to overcome their PIR. However, most strategies are based on the experiences of HCPs, rather than of patients. Based on findings from a study exploring real-world patient experience around HCP actions for mitigating PIR, we suggest that HCPs use collaborative strategies throughout the course of T2D treatment to 1) explore reasons for PIR, 2) help patients overcome PIR, and 3) follow-up regarding experience with insulin.

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.

Key Strategies for Overcoming Psychological Insulin Resistance in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: The UK Subgroup in the EMOTION Study

INTRODUCTION

Many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) delay initiation of insulin therapy despite healthcare professional (HCP) advice. This phenomenon has been referred to as 'psychological insulin resistance' (PIR), and various contributing factors have been identified. Studies discussing approaches to overcoming PIR are lacking. Our aim was to identify the key strategies used by HCPs that most helped adults with T2DM and PIR in the UK to initiate insulin.

METHODS

As part of a global study, UK adults with T2DM and PIR were recruited (N = 125) to take a survey that included 38 HCP statements and actions about insulin initiation. Data assessed were perceived occurrence and helpfulness of these strategies in facilitating insulin initiation.

RESULTS

The most helpful strategies involved demonstrating the injection process (e.g. HCP talked patient through the process of taking insulin [83.6%]) and adopting a collaborative approach (HCP encouraged patient to contact the clinic immediately in case of any problems/questions [80.5%]). Additionally, HCPs highlighting the benefits of insulin (HCP explained that insulin was a natural substance needed by patient's body [81.2%]) and allaying patients' concerns (HCP explained that patient might not have to take insulin forever [78.0%]) helped patients initiate insulin. The least helpful action was HCPs repeatedly persuading patients to initiate insulin (40.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The study recommends key strategies that HCPs can adopt to help adults with T2DM overcome PIR in the UK.

Successful Healthcare Provider Strategies to Overcome Psychological Insulin Resistance in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

INTRODUCTION

EMOTION was a multinational, noninterventional study surveying current insulin-using adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) who were initially reluctant to begin insulin treatment. In this Japanese population subanalysis of EMOTION, we identify the frequency and level of helpfulness of healthcare provider (HCP) actions, and we analyze life events ('actions/events') that assist T2D patients with psychological insulin resistance in the decision to initiate insulin.

METHODS

Participants were selected from Survey Sampling International and their local partners' market research panels in Japan. Quantitative surveys were administered between December 2016 and August 2017 to patients who met the study criteria. Participants were asked whether 45 actions/events occurred, and to rate the level of helpfulness of the actions/events in contributing to their decision to initiate insulin.

RESULTS

Among the 594 eligible participating adults in the EMOTION study, 99 were from Japan. Despite initial reluctance to begin insulin treatment, 80.8% of the Japanese participants immediately commenced insulin. Practical demonstrations by HCPs on how to use insulin were rated by participants as most helpful. Examples of such practical demonstrations, reported as helping moderately or a lot, were 'HCP walked patient through the process of exactly how to take insulin' (82.8%), 'HCP showed an insulin pen' (79.7%), and 'HCP helped patient to see how simple it was to inject insulin' (79.1%).

CONCLUSION

This study identifies actions that HCPs can use to assist Japanese patients in deciding whether to initiate insulin. These findings may aid the development of clinical interventions addressing reluctance to begin insulin treatment among Japanese patients with T2D.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company and Boehringer Ingelheim. Plain language summary available for this article.

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.

Translation and validation of the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale in Hong Kong primary care patients

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus often delay the initiation or titration of insulin treatment due to psychological factors. This phenomenon is referred to as psychological insulin resistance (PIR). The Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale (ITAS) is a 20-item instrument for assessing PIR. A previous Chinese version of the ITAS (C-ITAS) was found to be subject to problems arising from its translation. The present study aimed to translate and validate this instrument, which will facilitate research and aid in counseling in a clinical setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The C-ITAS was modified to develop the Hong Kong version of the C-ITAS (C-ITAS-HK) according to published guidelines for the translation of transcultural research. A total of 328 diabetes mellitus patients who were followed-up in 10 different publically funded primary care outpatient clinics were recruited for self-administration of the C-ITAS-HK. Demographic data were recorded, and clinical data (e.g., presence of diabetes mellitus complications) were obtained from case records. The C-ITAS-HK results were subjected to psychometric analysis, including the assessment of Cronbach's alpha, factor analysis and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Factor analysis supported a two-factor structure with good internal consistency (whole scale 0.846, negative subscale 0.882, positive subscale 0.619). The test-retest reliability correlation coefficients for all items were positive, at 0.871, 0.782, and 0.692 for the whole scale, negative subscale and positive subscale, respectively. The ITAS scores differed significantly between participants with PIR and those without in the expected direction, suggesting good discriminant validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The C-ITAS-HK is a valid tool for measuring and assessing PIR in the Hong Kong primary care diabetes mellitus population.

Peer Education Group Intervention to Reduce Psychological Insulin Resistance: A Pilot Mixed-Method Study in a Chinese Population

INTRODUCTION

Psychological insulin resistance (PIR) is common among type II diabetes (DM) patients. Although interventions to reduce PIR have been suggested, there is no standardized intervention to reduce PIR. This trial aimed to assess the preliminary effectiveness of a well-structured interventional patient group (for sample size calculation for larger trials), as well as the acceptability and feasibility of this intervention group.

METHODS

This study used a quasi-experimental, mixed-method approach. Fifty-three patients with DM were recruited to an interventional group that included a general education of DM and insulin, an insulin pen demonstration, and an insulin-using peer sharing session. Each group consisted of around 15 participants and lasted for 2 h each. The validated Chinese version of the insulin treatment appraisal scale (C-ITAS) was administered before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention to measure any changes in the participants' PIR. Patients were interviewed to assess the acceptability of the intervention until data saturation.

RESULTS

Repeated measures ANOVA showed that the post-intervention C-ITAS scores (immediately post group and at 1 month) were lower than the pre-intervention C-ITAS scores (p < 0.001). Changes in multiple attitudes toward insulin were detected before and after the group intervention. Ten patient interviews were conducted and found that the intervention was welcomed by all interviewees; no discomfort or adverse reactions were reported.

CONCLUSION

Preliminary results showed that patient intervention groups with general education, insulin pen demonstration, and peer sharing appeared to be safe, acceptable, and effective in reducing PIR. Larger multicenter trials are needed to generalize these findings.

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.

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.

The Barbados Insulin Matters (BIM) study: Barriers to insulin therapy among a population-based sample of people with type 2 diabetes in the Caribbean island of Barbados

AIM

The purpose of this study was to document in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in Barbados, attitudes and beliefs that may result in psychological insulin resistance.

METHODS

A representative, population-based, sample of 175 eligible people with T2DM 25 years of age and over was surveyed by telephone. The 20-item insulin treatment appraisal scale (ITAS) was administered (score range 20 to 100 for positive to negative perceptions).

RESULTS

117 people participated (67% response rate, 32% male, mean age 66 years, 90% Black, 22% on insulin). Of non-responders, 52 were not contactable and 6 were difficult to communicate with. Negative perceptions about insulin use included - meant a worsening of diabetes (68%), would worry family (63%), feared self-injection (58%), meant a failure in self-management (57%), injections were painful (54%), would be seen as being sicker (46%), increased hypoglycaemia risk (38%), required effort (34%), causes weight gain (27%), causes a deterioration in health (14%), and would have to give up enjoyable activities (10%). Positive perceptions were - helps good glycaemic control (78%), would prevent complications (61%) and improves health (58%). Mean total ITAS score (61.6, SD = 7.7) was lower for those on insulin compared to those not on insulin (53.7 vs. 63.8, p < 0.0001). Sex, age and diabetes diagnosis duration were not significant predictors of ITAS score.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors related to patient beliefs and attitudes need to be considered and addressed when initiating insulin in order to minimise psychological insulin resistance and delay. Patients using insulin had less negative perceptions than those not on insulin.

The impact of insulin therapy and attitudes towards insulin intensification among adults with type 2 diabetes: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

As type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a progressive chronic condition, regular clinical review and treatment intensification are critical for prevention of long-term complications. Our aim was to explore the personal impact of insulin therapy, both positive and negative consequences, and attitudes towards future insulin intensification.

METHODS

Twenty face-to-face interviews were conducted, and transcripts were analysed using thematic inductive analysis. Eligible participants were adults with T2DM, using insulin injections for <4years. Participants were mostly men (n=13, 65%), (median (range)) aged 65 (43-76) years, living with T2DM for 11.5 (2-27) years.

RESULTS

Five themes emerged regarding the consequences (positive and negative) of insulin therapy, including: physical impact, personal control, emotional well-being, freedom/flexibility, (concerns about) others' reactions. Increased inconvenience and the perceived seriousness of using fast-acting insulin were both reported as barriers to future insulin intensification, despite most participants being receptive to the idea of administering additional injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive and negative experiences of insulin therapy were reported by adults with T2DM and most were receptive to insulin intensification despite reported barriers. These findings may inform clinical interactions with people with T2DM and interventions to promote receptiveness to insulin initiation and intensification.

Results from Diabetes MILES--Australia

AIMS

To investigate the contribution of general and diabetes-specific emotional wellbeing and beliefs about medicines in the prediction of insulin therapy appraisals in adults with non-insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The sample included Diabetes MILES-Australia cross-sectional survey participants whose primary diabetes treatment was oral hypoglycaemic agents (N=313; 49% women; mean±SD age: 57±9 years; diabetes duration: 7±6 years). They completed validated measures of beliefs about the 'harm' and 'overuse' of medications in general (BMQ General); 'concerns' about and 'necessity' of current diabetes medications (BMQ Specific); negative insulin therapy appraisals (ITAS); depression (PHQ-9); anxiety (GAD-7), and diabetes distress (DDS-17). Factors associated with ITAS Negative scores were examined using hierarchical multiple regressions.

RESULTS

Twenty-two percent of the variance in ITAS Negative scores (52±10), was explained by: number of complications (β=-.15, p=.005), DDS-17 subscale 'emotional burden' (β=.23, p<.001), and 'concerns' about current diabetes treatment (β=.29, p<.001). General beliefs about medications and general emotional wellbeing did not contribute significantly to the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological insulin resistance may reflect broader distress about diabetes and concerns about its treatment but not general beliefs about medicines, depression or anxiety. Reducing diabetes distress and current treatment concerns may improve attitudes towards insulin as a potential therapeutic option.

Impact of patient attitudes and beliefs to insulin therapy upon initiation, and their attitudinal changes after initiation: the DAWN Japan study

Objective As a part of the Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN) Japan study, a multi-center, questionnaire-based survey conducted between 2004 and 2005, this analysis aimed to (1) explore patients' attitudes and beliefs contributing to their decision to start insulin therapy, and (2) assess the changes in their attitudes and beliefs after actual initiation. Methods Insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes who were recommended to start insulin therapy (n = 149) were invited to answer a 21-item questionnaire consisting of five clusters assessing their attitudes and beliefs toward insulin therapy. The questionnaire was administered twice: first upon insulin recommendation, and then 1 month after insulin initiation for those who started and 4 months after for those who did not. Results Of 130 patients included in the analysis, 74 patients (56.9%) started insulin therapy. 'Negative image of injections' and 'Positive image toward insulin therapy' were significantly associated with patient decision to start insulin therapy (odds ratios [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.32-0.76] and 2.58 [1.51-4.42], respectively). After insulin initiation, 'Negative image of injections', 'Positive image toward insulin therapy', 'Feelings of guilt regarding diabetes self-management', and 'Negative image toward insulin therapy' decreased significantly (P < 0.001 for all). 'Social/interpersonal effects' did not change after insulin initiation. Conclusions This study demonstrated that patients who started insulin therapy were less likely to have negative images of injections and more likely to have positive images toward insulin therapy. Starting insulin therapy did not deteriorate the patient's overall impression of therapy. The key limitation is the relatively small sample size (n = 130). The results suggest that education about the benefits of insulin therapy may help patients who are not ready to initiate insulin overcome their barrier to early insulin initiation and practical support may help those who have already started therapy to maintain its use.

Psycholosocial factors associated with psychological insulin resistance in primary care patients in Hong Kong

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No relationship was found between depression and PIR.

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Prevalence of PIR was 47.2% in insulin-naïve patients and 8.7% in insulin users.

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PIR etiology is likely multifactorial in Hong Kong primary care population.

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PIR was associated with multiple social factors.

Aim

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) often delay the initiation of insulin treatment and titration due to psychological factors. This phenomenon is called psychological insulin resistance (PIR). The insulin treatment appraisal scale (ITAS) that was initially developed for Western populations has been translated and validated to measure PIR in Taiwanese populations (C-ITAS). This study aims to estimate the prevalence of PIR in primary care patients with DM in Hong Kong and to examine the relationship between PIR and psychosocial factors.

Method

402 DM patients from a government-funded general outpatient clinic completed the C-ITAS and a health questionnaire (the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9). Patient demographics were recorded and associations among C-ITAS scores, PHQ-9 scores and demographic data were evaluated.

Results

There was no relationship between the presence of depression and PIR. Furthermore, the prevalence of PIR was 47.2% in insulin-naive patients but only 8.7% in current insulin users. Tools such as the C-ITAS may help clinicians understand the etiology of PIR, which this study suggests is likely the result of multiple risk factors. Factors associated with a lower prevalence of PIR included current insulin use, a family history of insulin use, a high education level, male sex, and having received counseling from a physician about insulin within the previous 6 months.

Psychological insulin resistance in geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent to which geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus experience psychological insulin resistance (PIR).

METHODS

A total of 67 unselected geriatric patients with diabetes (mean age 82.8±6.7 years, diabetes duration 12.2 [0.04-47.2] years, 70.1% female) were recruited in a geriatric care center of a university hospital. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) was performed including WHO-5, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel-Index. We assessed PIR using the Barriers of Insulin Treatment Questionnaire (BIT) and the Insulin Treatment Appraisal Scale in a face-to-face interview.

RESULTS

Insulin-naïve patients (INP) showed higher PIR scores than patients already on insulin therapy (BIT-sum score: 4.3±1.4 vs. 3.2±1.0; p<0.001). INP reported in the BIT increased fear of injection and self-testing (2.4±2.4 vs. 1.3±0.8; p=0.016), expect disadvantages from insulin treatment (2.7±1.6 vs. 1.9±1.4; p=0.04), and fear of stigmatization by insulin injection (5.2±2.3 vs. 3.6±2.6; p=0.008). Fear of hypoglycemia, however, did not differ significantly (6.3±2.8 vs. 5.1±3.1; p=0.11). Depression was not shown to be a barrier to insulin therapy.

CONCLUSION

INP with diabetes have a significantly more negative attitude toward insulin therapy in comparison to patients already on insulin.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Systematic assessment of barriers of insulin therapy, individualized diabetes treatment plans and information of patients may help to overcome such negative attitudes, leading to quicker initiation of therapy, improved adherence to treatment and a better quality of life.