An evaluation of prefilled insulin pens: a focus on the Next Generation FlexPen(®).

Insulin pen delivery systems are preferred by patients over the traditional vial and syringe method for insulin delivery because they are simple and easy to use, improve confidence in dosing insulin, and have less interference with activities and improved discretion with use. Insulin manufacturers have made numerous improvements to their first marketed pen devices and are now introducing their next generation of devices. Design modifications to the newest generation of prefilled insulin pen devices are intended to improve the ease of use and safety and continue to positively impact adherence to insulin. This review focuses on the Next Generation FlexPen(®) with regard to design considerations to reduce injection force, improve accuracy and ease of use, and evaluate the preference of patient and health-care provider compared with other disposable, prefilled insulin pen devices.

Use of a multidisciplinary tool to achieve target outcomes in Native American patients with diabetes: Treat-to-target.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to test a communication tool used in a multidisciplinary setting to more effectively achieve the recommended goals for glucose, blood pressure, lipids, and prophylactic aspirin use in a Native American population with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: One hundred randomly selected patients were included in this observational, pre-intervention, post-intervention study design. The team began with a chart audit documenting hemoglobin A(1c) (Hgb A(1c)), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and aspirin use. The intervention included the development of a one page form used to prompt providers to intensify therapy when the patient was not meeting evidence-based goals. The audit was repeated one year later. RESULTS: Analysis of 74 patients completing the study showed a decrease in Hgb A1C from 8.812% pre-intervention to a mean 8.214% post-intervention (p < 0.007). At the time of pre-intervention audit, patients were already at target for blood pressure and no significant further decrease was found. Measures of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and aspirin use showed improvement, but statistical significance was not met. CONCLUSION: The one-page multidisciplinary tool used to intensify therapy significantly improved glucose control. More consistent interaction of the multidisciplinary team is necessary to reach other desired goals.