Analysis of issues of insulin self-injection in elderly

Abstract

Aim and Method: To elucidate the problems of insulin self-injection in elderly, we evaluated the procedure in 194 outpatients, using a checklist. Result: Errors in insulin self-injection were found in about two-thirds of patients. There is no difference in error frequency among any age group. Also, there was no error difference between the elderly group (people aged 65 or over) and the adult group (under 65). However, there were more errors in the elderly group than in the adult group on rechecking after guidance. Conclusion: It is necessary to perform periodical confirmation of insulin self-injection at all ages. In particular, early re-inspection should be done in the elderly patients. © 2010 The Japan Geriatrics Society.