Study: More Than Half of Insulin-Dependent Diabetics Report Intentionally Skipping Injections

A recent study, published in Diabetes Care, revealed that a significant number of insulin-dependent diabetics intentionally skip insulin injections.

Of the 502 adults who were surveyed, intentional insulin omission was reported by more than half of the respondents. Regular omission was reported by 20 percent of the group. Common risk factors for skipping injections included lower age, lower income and education, type 2 diabetes, not following a healthy diet, taking more daily injections, interference of injections with daily activities and injection pain and embarrassment.

These risk factors differed between people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diet nonadherence was more prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes while age, education, income, pain and embarrassment were more prominent in people with type 2 diabetes.

"It's important for physicians and other healthcare professionals to be aware of potential risk factors, especially for patients who report injection-related problems. We hope that in the future doctors will work closer with patients to determine their individual needs so that they can better plan activities to facilitate patients' adherence with their treatment regimens," said Mark Peyrot, the study's lead researcher.

To view the study, click here.