InsuPad in Insulin Therapy - Long-Term Results

The InsuPad device enhances insulin absorption by standardized injection site modulation. The Barmer study, a controlled three-month trial, showed the InsuPad device to reduce the frequency of hypoglycaemia by 46% and prandial insulin requirements by about 30%. The aim of this follow-up investigation was to explore the effect of using InsuPad for more than twelve months. After the Barmer study, patients were provided with the device and disposables for them to continue using the device for at least a year. Patients in the previous control group were also allowed to use the device. Fifty-two patients (22 female, 30 male, age (mean +/- SD): 65 +/- 8 yrs, HbA(1c): 71 +/- 0.7 % at start) took part in this long-term follow-up investigation at one study site. Of the 52 patients, 50 completed a standardized questionnaire after a minimum of 13 months. The mean usage time was 178 +/- 2.5 months (range: 13-21 months); body weight (3 months: 100 +/- 23 kg, 18 months: 100 +/- 18 kg) and HbA(1c) (baseline: 72 +/- 0.7 %; 3 months: 6.4 +/- 0.7 %, 18 months: 6.3 +/- 0.6 %) were stable; total daily insulin dose decreased even further (change vs. baseline: 3 months: -16.5%, 18 months: -25.3 %, p < 0.001). These results indicate that the glycaemic control achieved in the Barmer study was maintained with further reductions in prandial and basal insulin dose requirement and high treatment adherence in all of the patients that used the device for 18 months or longer.