Clinical Experience with U-500 Regular Insulin by Multiple Daily Injections and Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes management often requires insulin therapy.
• High-concentration insulin, such as U-500 regular insulin, is an option for patients with significant insulin needs.
• Previous insulin regimens may involve U-100 insulin concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of U-500 regular insulin in type 2 diabetes patients previously treated with U-100 insulin.
• To evaluate changes in glycemic control and other clinical parameters after switching insulin formulations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients prescribed U-500 insulin between January 2012 and December 2013.
• Primary outcome: change in glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) one year after switching.
• Secondary outcomes: changes in body weight, total daily insulin dose, injection frequency, and hypoglycemia episodes.

Main Results:

• Sixty-six patients were included, utilizing multiple daily injections (MDI) or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).
• A1C decreased by 1.8% in the MDI group and 0.63% in the CSII group after one year.
• Body weight increased significantly (+3.1 kg) in both groups; 77% experienced confirmed hypoglycemia (blood glucose 51-70 mg/dL), with no severe episodes.

Conclusions:

• U-500 regular insulin effectively improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients on MDI and CSII.
• The use of U-500 regular insulin does not appear to increase the frequency of hypoglycemia compared to U-100 insulin.
• This high-concentration insulin offers a viable option for managing insulin resistance and achieving glycemic targets.