ASSESSMENT OF INSULIN INJECTION PRACTICES IN DIABETES PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL WITH 220 PARTICIPANTS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53350/Annalspakmed.1.7.3Keywords:
Insulin injection, diabetes, tertiary care hospital, injection techniques, patient education, needle reuse, insulin storage.Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent chronic disease that requires consistent insulin therapy, particularly in patients with type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes. Appropriate insulin injection techniques, including site rotation, needle reuse, and insulin storage, are crucial for maintaining effective glycemic control and preventing complications. Despite the importance of these practices, suboptimal insulin administration remains a widespread issue among patients, which affects diabetes outcomes.
Objective: This study aimed to assess insulin injection practices, including technique, site rotation, needle reuse, and knowledge of insulin storage, among 220 diabetes patients at a tertiary care hospital. The study also aimed to identify gaps in adherence to recommended insulin administration practices.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Medical unit of services hospital, Lahore from July 2023 to June 2024. A total of 220 patients with diabetes who had received insulin therapy for at least six months were included. Data were collected through structured interviews, direct observation of insulin injection techniques, and review of patient records. The participants were categorized by age, gender, type of diabetes, and insulin regimen. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis.
Results: The mean age of participants was 55.3 years, with 120 (54.5%) males and 100 (45.5%) females. Among the patients, 70% had type 2 diabetes, while 30% had type 1 diabetes. The study found that 50% of patients rotated their injection sites regularly, 82% reused needles, and 55% stored insulin correctly at 2-8°C. The correct injection technique (90° angle) was used by 60% of patients, with 25% using a 45° angle. Lipohypertrophy was observed in 12% of patients.
Conclusion: This study highlights significant gaps in insulin injection practices among diabetes patients at a tertiary care hospital. Despite good awareness, a large proportion of patients continue to reuse needles, fail to rotate injection sites, and improperly store insulin. These practices increase the risk of poor glycemic control and complications. Enhanced patient education, particularly on insulin injection techniques, site rotation, needle hygiene, and insulin storage, is essential for improving diabetes management and reducing complications.
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Copyright (c) 2025 SYED MAHMOOD-UL-HASSAN, MUHAMMAD IMRAN, MUHAMMAD USMAN GHANI
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