BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the average time between initial diagnosis of  Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(T2DM) and the commencement of insulin therapy of patients living in a regional area, and how this might vary according to patients’ age and gender.  It also examined patients’ self assessed knowledge of their condition, and how they regarded information given at time of diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Medical records were accessed for all patients fulfilling selection criteria (T2DM patients of Victor Medical Centre treated with insulin and still living in the Southern Fleurieu region)   (n=74: male=47, female=27) and relevant information recorded. Statistical analysis was completed using T-tests. Factors potentially contributing to progression towards insulin documented in the medical record were recorded. The cohort was then contacted via telephone to answer a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS

Males were diagnosed(52.5 v 50.5 p<0.1) and commenced on insulin(63.1 v 59.3 p<0.01) at later ages than females and had longer duration of disease(10.8 v 8.9  years p<0.1) on commencement of insulin than females. Later age at diagnosis also predicted shorter time to commencement of insulin (R²=0.166 p<0.1).  Perceived level of knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus, both at diagnosis and currently was lower in males than females.  Overall only 29% of patients felt they received adequate information regarding their condition at time of diagnosis, with 45% rating it as inadequate and 26% excessive.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested differences exist between male and female T2DM populations  in age at diagnosis and time until commencing insulin therapy.  It also suggested that information given at the time of diagnosis is frequently perceived by patients as inadequate highlighting a possible area for improvement in management