Why carry out this study?

Few studies have compared the patient-reported outcomes, including emotional distress, treatment satisfaction, and self-efficacy, of physician-led insulin titration with those of patient-led insulin self-titration.

This study enrolled insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and compared physician-led insulin titration to patient-led insulin self-titration in terms of emotional distress, treatment satisfaction, and self-efficacy.

What was learned from the study?

Self-efficacy was significantly higher in the patient-led self-titration group.

Self-measurement of blood glucose and self-titration of insulin was safe and effective in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, resulting in better glycemic control without severe hypoglycemia.

Self-management of diabetes, including self-measurement of blood glucose and insulin self-titration, may help combat clinical inertia regarding insulin treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.