Pen devices to improve patient adherence with insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes.

As the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus increases, the related health and economic burdens also increase as the majority of these patients with type 2 diabetes do not achieve adequate glycemic control. There are several barriers to effectively managing type 2 diabetes, some of which can be overcome by insulin pen devices, thereby improving treatment acceptance/adherence and clinical outcomes in the primary care setting. Studies have shown that patients significantly prefer insulin pen devices compared with vial and syringe, and that the use of pen devices results in improved patient adherence to therapy, fewer hypoglycemic episodes, and reduced associated health care costs.