Benefits of using the I-port system on insulin-treated patients

Abstract

Background. Insulin-treated patients demonstrate low adherence to insulin injections, which results in poor glycemic control. The i-Port Advance is a new advanced injection method. Our aim was to evaluate patient satisfaction, glycemic control, and adherence with this device. Methodology. This prospective study examined i-Port use in 55 insulin-treated patients. Baseline characteristics and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status (DTSQs) scores were collected at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period. All patients were trained to use the i-Port. Patients were divided into two groups: regular users of the i-Port, who used it for ≥3 months, and irregular users, who used it for <3 months. Local complications during use of the i-Port were recorded. Results. Of the 55 patients, 92.7% had type 1 diabetes, the mean age was 14.96 ± 8.95 years, and 92.7% used an insulin pen. The patients were divided into 27 regular users and 28 irregular users. Irregular users had a longer duration of diabetes (P = 0.901) at baseline compared to regular users, were less likely to report noncompliance with insulin usage (P = 0.338), were more likely to self-inject insulin (P = 0.038), and had a lower A1C (P = 0.056). There were no statistical differences between groups in mean DTSQs treatment satisfaction scores or mean glycemic control scores. At the end of the follow-up period, regular i-Port usage improved compliance with insulin usage (P = 0.028), reduced diabetes-related hospitalizations (P <0.001), and reduced the frequency of hypoglycemia (P = 0.184). Scarring at the i-Port site was the most common complication. Conclusion. Regular i-Port usage improved compliance and decreased hospitalizations and hypoglycemic episodes, with a nonsignificant 0.73% reduction in A1C.