Patient perceptions of insulin detemir as reported through patient telephone surveys

To examine patient-reported perceptions of insulin detemir (Levemirt) as treatment for diabetes and report information back to prescribing physicians.

This cross-sectional survey with a convenience population involves physicians identifying patients appropriate for this treatment and providing them with study information. Patients voluntarily responded to a baseline survey prior to medication use and surveys at approximately 30 and 60 days following treatment initiation using interactive voice response (IVR) technology. Questions were designed by the medical group on the study team to measure patients' perceptions regarding blood sugar control, confidence in avoiding symptoms and medication satisfaction with insulin detemir. Questions were not drawn from a tested survey instrument, but do maintain face validity. Prescribing physicians received an individual report summarizing the patient's responses.

In total, 586 adults completed the study. Average age was 59 years; 64% female. After an average of 35 days and 72 days using insulin detemir, patients could more easily judge blood sugar levels (n = 586; average 6.6 and 7.0 out of 10 (10 = much easier) at each follow-up, respectively) and keep good blood sugar control (n = 586; 6.7 and 7.0). With insulin detemir, patients who used a prior insulin (n = 414) felt more confident about avoiding symptoms of hypoglycemia with an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 after the first month and 7.1 out of 10 (10 = much more confident) after the second month. They (n = 414) also felt more confident in avoiding low blood sugars at night with average ratings of 7.3 after both the first and second months with insulin detemir. Thirty-one percent of the prior insulin users (n = 414) also reported weight loss, 58% reported no change, 11% gained weight after the second month with insulin detemir. Satisfaction with insulin detemir among all patients (n = 586) averaged 7.9 out of 10 at both months 1 and 2.

With insulin detemir, patients felt more confident about managing blood sugar levels, tended not to gain weight, and were quite satisfied. The authors recognize that the results are not generalizable to or representative of all patients using insulin detemir due to potential patient selection bias. In addition, the results reflect patients' self-reported impressions which were not confirmed through any objective clinical measures. However, the individual patient data collected through the surveys can help physicians monitor patients' perceptions and promote discussions about treatment with patients.