Dose titration model and correlative factors analysis in Chinese patients with type-2 diabetes on basal insulin - results from an Observational Registry of Basal Insulin Treatment study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates an insulin dose titration model and factors that impact insulin dose adjustment in Chinese adults with type-2 diabetes, who receive basal insulin in real-world settings.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 19,894 patients from the ORBIT study were included. These patients were divided into four groups, according to the type of insulin dose adjustment: no insulin titration (group A), self-titration (group B), physician-led insulin titration (group C), and combined physician and patient-led insulin titration (group D). Data were collected and compared at baseline and after six months of treatment.

RESULTS: A total of 12,865 patients completed the visits and were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 3187 (24.8%), 1971 (15.3%), 5165 (40.1%), and 2542 (19.8%) patients were included in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the duration of diabetes, body mass index, microvascular complications, inpatient days, HbA1C level, and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) were positively correlated with insulin titration in group B, C, and D, compared with group A. The number of inpatient days and outpatient visits were positively correlated with dose adjustment for physician-led titration, while this was negatively correlated for self-titration. Self-titration encouraged by physicians and home blood glucose monitoring were positively correlated with self-titration and the combined physician and patient-led titration.

CONCLUSIONS: High HbA1C level, SMBG, long disease duration, microvascular complications, and the encouragement of physicians while initiating insulin use prompt patients to perform dose adjustments in real-world settings.