Why is Insulin Underuse in Primary Care a Big Concern

Study participants who reported underuse were nine times more likely to have difficulty purchasing insulin than those who did not report underuse.

A new survey was conducted to examine the prevalence of cost-related insulin underuse in a primary care environment.

They examined the frequency of cost-related underuse of insulin within a year of a patient being diagnosed with diabetes. Ninety respondents completed the survey. Among those who completed the survey, 44% experienced cost-related substandard therapy.

Underuse of Insulin

However, the majority of respondents experiencing cost-related issues said they discussed it with their prescribers, which significantly increased the likelihood of their doctor changing their insulin.

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‘The rising cost of insulin has created problems in diabetes management. ’

Participants experiencing poor diabetes control were not more likely to report underuse. The authors recommend that primary care physicians use empathy when asking about cost barriers as some patients may be reluctant to speak up about their challenges in obtaining insulin.

Source-Eurekalert

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