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Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Basal Insulin Adherence in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Routine Clinical Practice in Spain: Clinical and
Dídac Mauricio1,2,3, Virginia Pascual4, Maria Soler5
1Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital de La Santa Creu I Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
Introduction:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) imposes a clinical and economic burden, largely due to its long-term micro- and macrovascular complications. To prevent these complications, treatment adherence is essential. The aim of this study was to analyse basal insulin adherence and its clinical and economic repercussions in patients with T2DM in Spain.
Methods:
Retrospective, descriptive observational study using the Spanish Health Improvement Network (THIN®) database. Adult patients with T2DM, a registry entry of first basal insulin prescription from January 2014, and prescription/dispensation records between January 2014 and January 2024 were included. Adherence was estimated as proportion of days covered ≥ 80% in patients with ≥ 1 (full-population) and ≥ 3 years of follow-up (≥ 3 years subpopulation). Sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, micro- and macrovascular complications incidence, healthcare resource use (HCRU) (outpatient general practitioner/nursing/specialists visits and laboratory tests), and sick leave were analysed in adherent and non-adherent patients of the ≥ 3 years subpopulation. Direct (complications + HCRU) and indirect costs were calculated.
Results:
A total of 9441 patients in the full-population and 4693 in the ≥ 3 years subpopulation were included. Less than 70% were adherent (66.90% and 69.51%, respectively). Although adherent patients tended to be older and more were retired, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were consistent in adherent and non-adherent patients. In both groups, 17-20% had micro- and 30-40% had macrovascular complications, but non-adherent patients showed increases of 5.54% and 15.90% in annual complications. Mean annual costs for micro- and/or macrovascular complications were €1091.68 for adherent and €1306.45 for non-adherent patients. Mean annual direct and indirect costs were €1528.45 and €784.97 in adherent and €1651.39 and €952.89 in non-adherent patients.
Conclusion:
This study shows less than 70% adherence to basal insulin under routine clinical practice in Spain and reveals unmet needs in current T2DM therapies. Non-adherence could result in more complications, which would lead to higher costs for the healthcare system.
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