Cited by 73Diabetes Management and EducationDiabetes Management and ResearchPatient Safety and Medication Errors

Missed and Mistimed Insulin Doses in People with Diabetes: A Systematic Literature Review

Open access
Robinson, Susan, Newson, Rachel S., Liao, Birong, Kennedy-Martin, Tessa, Battelino, Tadej·2021·Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics

Abstract

Background: Development of coordinated management approaches is important to facilitate self-care in people with diabetes (PwD). Gaining a better understanding of suboptimal insulin use is key in this endeavor. This review aimed, for the first time, to systematically identify and narratively summarize real-world evidence on the extent of suboptimal insulin use (missed and mistimed insulin) in PwD. Methods: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews identified studies reporting on missed and mistimed insulin dosing. Results: From 3305 studies, 37 publications reporting on 30 unique studies that involved 58,617 PwD were included. Studies were conducted across 12 different countries and most employed cross-sectional surveys. Observations regarding missed and mistimed insulin doses were reported in 25 and 10 studies, respectively. PwD reported missing insulin doses, but rates varied due to differences in reporting methods, participant populations, and insulin regimens. The association between missed dosing and glycemic control was evaluated in ten studies in which the authors reported lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in PwD who did not omit insulin. The proportion of PwD reporting mistiming of insulin was in the range of 20–45%, depending on the study; this was associated with higher rates of hypoglycemia and higher HbA1c as reported by study authors. Reasons for suboptimal insulin use were multifactorial, occurring due to disrupted daily routines, social situations, and hypoglycemia avoidance. Conclusions: This review suggests that suboptimal insulin use is widespread and that PwD using insulin may still be struggling with disease management. There is an unmet need for better integrated support in managing the complexities of insulin therapy and for the development of systems (e.g. digital solutions) that empower people to take control of insulin-treated diabetes.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1089/dia.2021.0164

Cites

68 of 68 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Research from individuals using multiple daily injection therapy with continuous glucose monitoring and connected insulin pen or cap devices revealed that missed, mistimed, and mismatched insulin bolus doses are common and occur in both older and younger populations with T1D or T2D, and are associated with higher A1C.

    “Research from individuals using MDI therapy with CGM and connected insulin pen or cap devices revealed that missed, mistimed, and mismatched insulin bolus doses are common and occur in both older and younger populations with T1D or T2D, and are associated with higher A1C.13–18”
  • In a systematic review, 20%-45% of participants on insulin therapy reported mistiming of their insulin doses.

    “In a systematic review, 20%–45% of participants on insulin therapy reported the mistiming of their insulin doses17 citing disrupted daily routines, social situations, and hypoglycemia avoidance as reasons.”

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Authors
Robinson, S., Newson, R. S., Liao, B., Kennedy-Martin, T., & Battelino, T.
Affiliations
  • Kennedy Martin Health Outcomes (United Kingdom) (GB)
  • Eli Lilly (Australia) (AU)
  • Eli Lilly (United States) (US)
  • Kennedy-Martin Health Outcomes Limited, Brighton, United Kingdom.
  • University of Ljubljana (SI)
Venue
Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics
Published
2021-11-25
Volume
23
Issue
12
Pages
844-856
ISSN
  • 1520-9156 (ISSN-L)
  • 1557-8593
OpenAlex
W3181946008
Cited by
73
References
68
Citations by year
2026: 16 · 2025: 19 · 2024: 18 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 1
FWCI
1.46
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Management and Education
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes Management and Research
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Emergency Medical Services › Patient Safety and Medication Errors
Keywords
insulin-treated diabetes, glycemic control, HbA1c, hypoglycemia, self-care, digital health support
MeSH terms
Systematic Reviews as Topic, Cross-Sectional Studies, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2, Humans, Hypoglycemia, Insulin

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