Table 1.
Baseline Characteristics of the Participants According to Treatment Sequence
| Variable | Group A (n = 64) | Group B (n = 62) |
|---|---|---|
| Gender (M/F ratio) | 34/30 | 36/26 |
| Age (years) | 60.3 ± 10.7 | 60.7 ± 11.2 |
| BMI (kg/m2) | 36.7 ± 5.5 | 36.1 ± 5.8 |
| Waist-hip ratio | 1.0 ± 0.1 | 1.0 ± 0.1 |
| Type 1/type 2 diabetes | 3/61 | 2/60 |
| Previously used needles | ||
| Length 5 mm and/or 6 mm | 30 | 36 |
| Length 5 mm/6mm and 8 mm | 3 | 2 |
| Length 8 mm | 30 | 22 |
| Length 12.7 mm | 1 | 2 |
| A1C (%) | 7.7 ± 1.1 | 7.6 ± 0.9 |
| FA (μmol/L) | 265 ± 52 | 266 ± 49 |
| 1,5-AG (mg/L) | 10.4 ± 6.6 | 10.1 ± 5.5 |
| TDI (units/day) | 94 ± 43 | 97 ± 55 |
Data are given as absolute numbers or mean ± SD values. Group A first used the 31-gauge 5-mm pen needle and then the 31-gauge 8-mm pen needle; Group B used them in the reverse order.
A1C, hemoglobin A1c; 1,5-AG, 1,5-anhydroglucitol; BMI, body mass index; F, female; FA, fructosamine; M, male; TDI, total daily insulin dose.