[Evaluation of the practical use of the Becton-Dickinson (B-D) insulin pen injector].

UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to assess insulin pen-injector in respect to: 1) improvement of metabolic control of diabetic patients, 2) improvement quality of life as well as complications connected with the use of pen patients. 23 IDDM and 7 NIDDM patients were enrolled to the study. Monthly check-up, control of diabetic complications, biochemical tests and glycemic profile and level of HbA1 c were performed. Human insulin containers of Eli Lilly-were used with the pens. Each month the glycemic profile and after 3 months HbA1c were tested. Special questionnaire was used to gather patients comments and remarks on the use of pens. RESULTS 1. After 3 months of the pen use the mean levels of glucose were lower as well as the level of HbA1c. 2. Patients found the pens as easy and convenient way of insulin use, impairing their comfort of life. The moment of initiation of B-D pen injector was combined with the intensive insulin therapy, application of human insulin and both education and self-control. The assessment of the one only parameter among the others is hardly possible nevertheless it should be stressed that in intensive conventional insulin therapy, insulin pen injector was found as practical element improving treatment regimen.