[Lispro analog and quality of life]

Abstract

Quality of life was assessed in a multicentre random cross-over study (UK-Benelux) of 189 well-controlled IDDM patients undergoing treatment with lispro insulin analog (Lilly). Lispro offered several advantages over regular insulin for intensive diabetes treatment. Patients were more satisfied, felt more flexible in their lifestyle (no delayed meals due to injections, need for fewer snacks), reported a decrease in hypoglycaemic episodes, and considered their glycaemic control as better during the lispro period. Seventy-four percent of patients elected to continue treatment with lispro. A study of different injection times related to meals provided better knowledge of postprandial blood glucose excursions after lispro and showed that the optimal time for lispro injection was just before the meal, which was very convenient for the patients. Another study showed that lispro analogue, because of its pharmacokinetic properties, can reduce dietary restrictions in well-controlled IDDM patients on intensified insulin treatment.