Comparing Patch vs Pen Bolus Insulin Delivery in Type 2 Diabetes Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics and...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2D) management often involves basal and mealtime insulin therapy.
• Insulin delivery devices, such as patch pumps and insulin pens, are used to administer mealtime insulin.
• Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides detailed glycemic metrics for therapy assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of a 3-day insulin delivery patch (CeQur Simplicity™) versus insulin pens for mealtime insulin therapy in adults with T2D.
• To assess glycemic control using CGM data in patients using either the insulin patch or pen.
• To evaluate self-reported outcomes and treatment adherence.

Main Methods:

• A 48-week, randomized, multicenter trial involving 278 adults with T2D on basal insulin.
• A subset of patients (n=97) wore a masked CGM device during baseline and prior to week 24.
• Glycemic control was assessed by Time In Range (%TIR), Time Below Range (%TBR), and Time Above Range (%TAR) based on consensus guidelines.

Main Results:

• Both patch and pen groups achieved recommended %TIR targets (approx. 75%) and significant reductions in %TAR (>180 mg/dL).
• Both groups experienced an increase in %TBR (<70 mg/dL), with no significant between-group differences in glycemic improvements.
• No significant differences in adverse events were observed between the insulin patch and pen groups.

Conclusions:

• CGM data confirm that both the insulin patch and pen can be safely used to initiate and optimize basal-bolus insulin therapy.
• A simple insulin adjustment algorithm combined with self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is effective.
• Preference data suggest the insulin patch may enhance treatment adherence compared to insulin pens.