An introduction to insulin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management often necessitates insulin therapy, despite advances in antidiabetic agents.
• Limited access to novel antidiabetic medications makes insulin a primary treatment for T2DM in South Africa.
• Suboptimal control of glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol persists globally, including in South Africa.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers to effective insulin therapy in South Africa.
• To propose practical solutions for improving insulin administration, initiation, and titration among healthcare providers.

Main Methods:

• Review of current T2DM management practices in South Africa.
• Analysis of challenges faced by healthcare providers in insulin therapy.
• Development of evidence-based recommendations for overcoming identified gaps.

Main Results:

• Healthcare providers in South Africa often lack familiarity with practical aspects of insulin therapy.
• Gaps exist in the initiation and titration protocols for insulin in T2DM management.
• These knowledge and practice gaps contribute to suboptimal glycemic control.

Conclusions:

• Addressing provider education on insulin administration is critical for improving T2DM management in South Africa.
• Implementing standardized insulin initiation and titration guidelines can enhance patient outcomes.
• Pragmatic solutions are needed to bridge the gap between insulin availability and effective utilization for T2DM control.