Title: A questionnaire based study to assess insulin injection practices and hypoglycemic awareness among diabetic patients in a tertiary care centre

Authors: Viral Sangwan, Birender Singh, Roopa Malik, Manjari Garg

 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i1.194

Abstract

Introduction: Effective insulin injection technique is essential to ensure effective management of diabetes. The purpose of this study is to assess the current situation of insulin injection techniques in patients with diabetes.

Material and Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted on a total of 200 patients of type 1 and type 2 Diabetes who were using insulin injections for last three months. They were accessed regarding knowledge and practice of insulin injection techniques and hypoglycaemic management using a questionnaire. Observations regarding injection site problems were made.

Results: Mean age of patients was 34.68 ± 17.43 years. 97.5% had formal education regarding injection technique. 51.5% subjects were using pen devices for insulin administration. 83.5% did not know about priming. 84%, preferred abdomen for injection.

89.5% were changing site regularly before injection. 76% were using 90 degree angle for injection. 83.5% subjects used to make fold of skin before injection. 43% were releasing skin immediately after injecting. 72.5% subjects did not clean site before injection. 64% never allowed injection to reach room temperature. 97% did not understand sick day rule.

51% subjects used to have bruising and bleeding. 53.5% noticed fluid leakage after injection. 42% used to rub their site after injection. 87.5 % had glucometer. 25% used to check their blood glucose 3 to 4 times in a day. Out of 200, 72% did not know about the symptoms and signs of hypoglycaemia.

Conclusion: There is significant gap between recommended injection technique and current injection practice among Indian diabetics.

Keywords: Diabetes, Insulin, Questionaire.

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Corresponding Author

Viral Sangwan
PT BDS PGIMS Rohtak
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