Comparison of Glycemic Control in Obese Diabetics Using Three Different Pen Needles

Study Summary

Anxiety about needles is a concern commonly expressed by diabetics when beginning insulin therapy. A shorter, thinner pen needle that delivers insulin with the safety and efficacy profile of longer pen needles may appeal to many diabetic patients as the shorter needle may be perceived as less intimidating and more comfortable. While pen needles of 4 to 8 mm in length are generally used for insulin injection in patients considered thin or normal weight, longer (12.7 mm) needles are still often prescribed for overweight or obese patients with diabetes. Since skin thickness is nearly constant across a range of body mass index (BMI), a clear rationale exists for the use of shorter needles in obese patients. (Gibney et al., CMRO 2010) The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the BD Ultra-Fine™ Nano 4mm x 32 Gauge(G) pen needle manufactured by Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) provides equivalent glucose control (as measured by hemoglobin A1c levels) as the BD Ultra-Fine™ 8mm x 31G and the BD Ultra-Fine™ 12.7mm x 29G pen needles in obese subjects with diabetes.

Primary Outcome

Subjects' glycemic control was assessed by comparing hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels measured at the end of each 12 week Study Period (e.g., at Visit 5 or Visit 7) to the HbA1c measured at the start of that Study Period, i.e. the baseline (Visit 3) for Period 1 and the Period 1/2 crossover (Visit 5) for Period 2. Analysis included only subjects with HbA1C values at baseline (Visit 3) and at the end of Study Period 1 (Visit 5) and end of Period 2 (Visit 7).

Interventions

• DEVICE 4 mm x 32G Pen Needle
• DEVICE 8mm x 31G Pen Needle
• DEVICE 12.7mm x 29G Pen Needle