The initiative is expected to benefit over two million diabetes patients
Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) has endorsed Forum for Injection Technique (FIT) India recommendations for best practice in insulin injection technique for people living with diabetes through its 6444 life members from 29 Indian states and union territories. The initiative is expected to benefit over two million diabetes patients with regards to long time insulin and insulin-like therapy adherence, smooth drug delivery and minimisation of adverse side effects.
In the past, several studies have cited reasons as to why some patients dread insulin injection usage. According to a study published in Diabet Med, 20 per cent of insulin users often or sometimes skipped their injections while 10 per cent restricted their number of daily injections due to needle anxiety, pain or embarrassment. Another study has found that bacterial contamination, local inflammatory changes and injection pain increased in direct proportion to needle re-use, highlighting an increased risk of infection.
As per the FIT recommendations, special emphasis is to be given to counter complications arising out of incorrect usage of injections and usage in special groups like elderly population, pregnant women and people with weak immunity. The recommendations also suggest correct injection technique that can help protect against lipohypertrophy (lump formation), unexplained hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and blood glucose variation.