Clinical inertia to insulin initiation and intensification in the UK: A focused literature review

Abstract

Achieving tight glycaemic control early following the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is key to optimising clinical outcomes, yet many patients and clinicians are reluctant to initiate and intensify insulin therapy. Reasons for this arise primarily from a lack of time, clinical expertise and patient understanding. However, meaningful progress can be achieved with self-management educational programmes soon after diagnosis. Clinician education and training, along with easy-to-use and well-tolerated therapies (for example, those carrying a low risk of hypoglycaemia and/or avoiding weight gain), may also increase the likelihood of patient adherence.

Keywords: Clinical inertia; Insulin intensification; Type 2 diabetes guidelines.