Clinical experience with NovoPen II and insulin Protaphane HM Penfill

The acceptance and convenience of an intermediate acting insulin Protaphane HM in Penfill were evaluated and compared with vials, and the safety of administration in Penfill was tested in 19 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. The design was a randomized, cross-over within-patient comparison with a run-in period of 4 weeks and two 12-week study periods. Safety was assessed by 7 point blood glucose profiles, HbA1c, total insulin dosage and frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes. Acceptance and convenience were evaluated by a questionnaire. None of the differences was statistically significant. Seventeen out of the 19 patients found NovoPen easier and quicker to use than conventional syringes and needles. The acceptance of a new pen device, NovoPen II, was tested in 56 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. Fifty-two out of 55 patients who completed a questionnaire preferred to continue with NovoPen II and 51 found it easy to preselect the dose. In conclusion, insulin Protaphane HM in Penfill can be safely administered with the NovoPen system.