Insulin-self administration among individuals with diabetes: Implications for improved practices

Background Diabetes significantly contributes to both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Effective management depends on meticulous glycemic control, with insulin playing a crucial role. The success of insulin therapy relies on patients’ ability to properly administer insulin and adhere to the administration instructions. Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of insulin use among patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to identify factors influencing these practices. Methods A validated, self-administered questionnaire was distributed in person to outpatient insulin users with type 1 and type 2 diabetes at King Abdullah University Hospital. In addition to socio-demographics and health characteristics, the questionnaire evaluated patients’ knowledge regarding insulin, its administration, and insulin use practices. Quantile regression was used to explore factors associated with insulin administration practices. Results The study included 402 patients, 53.0% of which are females, with a median age of 54 years. The median (interquartile range) knowledge score was 5 (4–6) out of a maximum possible score of 9, while the median (interquartile range) insulin administration practice score was 80.39 (72.92–85.42) out of a maximum possible score of 100.=. Lower practice levels were associated with older age (coefficient: −0.149, 95%CI: −0.217- −0.082), lack of diabetes information (coefficient: −6.189, 95%CI: −12.041 - −0.337), and reliance on non-scientific information sources (coefficient: −2.409, 95%CI: −4.562 - −0.255). However, higher knowledge scores were associated with better practices (coefficient: 2.516, 95%CI: 1.819–3.213). Conclusions While the study reveals acceptable knowledge and practices regarding insulin self-administration, it also highlights significant gaps that policy initiatives should address by implementing uniform training programs and interventions to promote effective insulin administration practices.