Initiation of biphasic insulin asp art 30/70 in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a largely primary care-based setting in Sweden

Aims: Despite a wealth of clinical trial data supporting use of the premixed insulin analogue, biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BlAsp 30) in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is limited documentation of its use in primary care-based clinical practice. Methods: An observational study investigating the safety and efficacy of BlAsp 30 in routine clinical practice was conducted. Patients were followed up 3 and 6 months after initiating insulin treatment. Safety and efficacy measures were documented. Results: During the course of the study, 1154 patients were included (age range 20-95 years), of whom 89% completed the 6-month follow-up period. Mean HbA(1c) at baseline was 8.8% (73 mmol/mol), and had improved to 7.2% (55 mmol/mol) after 6 months of treatment. The rate of total hypoglycaemia at completion of the study was 4.1 events per patient year. Major hypoglycaemic events were rare (two in total). Conclusions: BlAsp 30 was initiated safely and effectively in insulin-naive patients with T2DM. The safety and efficacy profile observed in clinical trials was confirmed in this largely primary care-based setting in Sweden. (C) 2011 Primary Care Diabetes Europe. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.