Basal-bolus insulin therapy for the treatment of non-critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes in Vietnam: effectiveness and factors associated with inpatient glycemic control

Abstract

PurposeThis study assessed the effectiveness of basal-bolus insulin therapy (BBIT) in non-critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and the factors associated with optimal inpatient glycemic control (IGC) with BBIT.MethodsThis prospective study included 103 patients who were admitted to the University Medical Center and were treated with BBIT. Clinical characteristics, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels at admission, renal function tests, basal-bolus insulin dosing, and other treatments were recorded. The optimal IGC was defined and classified for the analysis.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 67.2 ± 12.0 years. The blood glucose and HbA1c levels at admission were 319.2 ± 184.8 mg/dL and 10.7 ± 2.6%, respectively. Optimal IGC was defined as patients with ≥60% of in-hospital blood glucose values within the target range (3.9–10 mmol/L). Of the 103 patients, 66 patients (64%) achieved optimal IGC and only 5 patients (4.9%) had at least one hypoglycemic episode. The number of patients consuming snacks was higher in the poor than in the optimal IGC group whereas an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <45-mL/min/1.73 m2 was predominant in the optimal IGC group. Multivariate analysis revealed that snack consumption and glucocorticoid (GC) use were factors associated with poor IGC, while eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 was a favorable factor for optimal IGC.ConclusionBBIT is safe and effective for the treatment of IGC in non-critically ill patients. Moreover, eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 at admission, snack consumption, and GC therapy were independent factors associated with IGC outcomes.