[Semiautomatic insulin injection equipment (pens)]

To the best of our knowledge, a good glycaemic control must be advised to avoid or delay the degenerative complications of diabetes, bearing in mind an increased risk of hypoglycaemias. Among other techniques, a treatment consisting of multiple injections (basal-bolus concept) is one way to achieve a good control. Although this form of treatment is rather restrictive (frequent blood glucose determinations), the use of pens makes it more acceptable. A fully informed and cooperative patient is a prerequisite before considering this particular type of insulin therapy which, however, is usually not very helpful for older diabetics. It is a misconception to think that every patient receiving insulin should do so with a pen, just as it is incorrect to recommend multiple injections for all type I diabetics. Whether such a therapeutic strategy is indicated should be established for each patient individually. In addition, the fashion for pens should not distract us from all the other problems associated with inadequate diabetic control, such as foot care and systematic blood pressure measurements.