Assessment of Insulin Injection Practices in Patients With Diabetes Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital

Muneeb ur Rehman; Bilal Ahmad; Khurshid Muhammad Uttra

doi:10.51253/pafmj.v75iSUPPL-1.6189

Authors

Muneeb ur Rehman Department of Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital/National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Bilal Ahmad Department of Endocrinology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan
Khurshid Muhammad Uttra Department of Rehab Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v75iSUPPL-1.6189

Keywords:

Diabetes Mellitus; Insulin; Injection Techniques

Abstract

Objective: To assess insulin insertion practices, including storage, injection techniques and sharps waste disposal in patients with diabetes using insulin syringes and pen-filled insulin.

Study Design: Cross-section study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Endocrinology, Pak-Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi, Pakistan from March to May 2020.

Methodology: All insulin-dependent patients with diabetes were interviewed according to a questionnaire and their insulin insertion techniques and practices assessed. Questionnaire was based on the American Diabetes Association guidelines for insulin insertion. Those who had incorrect practices were later counselled about the correct practices.

Results: 84(70%) participants used insulin syringe for insulin insertion, while 36(30%) used pen-filled insulin. Three-quarters of the patients reported that they were never taught by any healthcare professional regarding correct insulin insertion techniques. 69(57.5%) of those using insulin syringe cleaned the insertion site before injecting insulin, while only 51(22.2%) of those using pen-filled insulin did so. 25(20.6%) of the participants did not wash their hands with soap prior to insulin injection. 68(56.7%) of the participants did not maintain cold chain. Most of the patients 92(77%) disposed off their insulin sharps in household garbage.

Conclusion: There was a significant gap between insulin insertion guidelines and current insulin injection practices. Education and proper counseling should be provided to the patients using insulin by healthcare professionals and their practices should be checked on every out-patient encounter.

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Author Biographies

Bilal Ahmad, Department of Endocrinology, Pak Emirates Military Hospital/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan

Lt Col

Head department of endocrinology PEMH Rwp
Khurshid Muhammad Uttra, Department of Rehab Medicine, Armed Forces Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine/ National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) Rawalpindi Pakistan

Comdt AFIRM. Classified medical specialist and endocrinologist.

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