The IMPROVE TM study - a multinational multicentr, observational study in type 2 diabetes: results from the Italian cohort

Abstract

Aims: The IMPROVE™ study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) in type 2 diabetes patients in the routine practice. Here we present the results for patients from Italy. Methods: Adverse events, hypoglycaemia, glycaemic control, patient treatment satisfaction and physician resource utilisation were assessed at baseline and 26 weeks. Results: Out of the 1371 patients enrolled, 84.1% (n = 1153) were receiving BIAsp 30 at baseline (in accordance with local regulations), and were included in the study. Mean HbA1c reduction was –0.63% after 26 weeks (p < 0.001); 26.5% and 13.5% of patients reached the HbA1c targets of <7% and <6.5%, respectively. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose significantly decreased; 65% of patients were using BIAsp 30 once daily and 32% twice daily at final visit. Rates of major and minor hypoglycaemic events also significantly decreased. Small weight increase was observed, and total insulin daily dose increased from 0.29 IU/kg pre-study to 0.32 IU/kg at final visit. Conclusions: In Italy, BIAsp 30 in the routine care improved glycaemic control and reduced hypoglycaemia; however, there was little intensification and titration. This may partly explain the relatively small improvement in glycaemic control in Italy compared with other countries in the IMPROVE™ study.