The efficacy of daily compared to twice weekly Basal Insulin Titration Algorithms among patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A 12-week randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Introduction@#There are a significant number of diabetic patients who remain uncontrolled despite basal insulin therapy due to lack of intensification of treatment. Different insulin titration algorithms are recommended by different treatment guidelines. This study compared two basal insulin titration algorithms in terms of time to achieve target glucose, adherence, hypoglycemia episodes, and HbA1c reduction.@*Methods@#This is a 12-week randomized clinical trial conducted on insulin-naïve patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus from outpatient clinic of St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City. Patients on oral hypoglycemic agent/s with HbA1c seven percent and above were included in the study. They were randomized to either daily titration or twiceweekly insulin titration algorithms using basal insulin glargine. @*Results@#Forty-one patients were included in the study. The daily titration algorithm achieved target capillary blood glucose (CBG) at stable insulin dose earlier (33 vs 41.3 days, p-value=0.042) than the twice-weekly titration. Better adherence was also seen among patients on daily titration algorithm as compared to twice weekly (94.94% vs. 91.12%, p-value = 0.009). There was no significant difference in incidence of hypoglycemia (p-value 0.0.62) for both algorithms. All patients from the two groups had significant HbA1c reduction at the end of the study period.@*Conclusion@#Daily titration algorithm achieved earlier target fasting plasma glucose and better patient adherence as compared to twice-weekly titration in the adjustment of basal insulin dose. HbA1c reduction and risk of hypoglycemia were similar in both titration algorithms.