Challenges with Insulin Use Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on a Tertiary Healthcare Setting in South-East Nigeria

摘要

Background: Effective usage of insulin in the management of diabetes remains a challenge in developing countries like Nigeria. Objective: The objective of this study is to document the pattern of insulin prescription, frequency, storage, common regimen used, and attendant problems associated with its use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive study in which consecutive T2DM patients seen at the medical out-patient clinic and medical wards and who fulfilled the criteria for inclusion were recruited. Participants provided information on their demographic characteristics, diabetes history, treatment and problems associated with treatment, type of insulin in use, number of daily injections, - storage, method of insulin administration and problems associated with insulin use. Clinical examination was carried out basically to determine the anthropometric indices.