Record rise in insulin use, British study reveals

[Northerner]

The use of insulin to treat type 2 diabetes has tripled in the UK over the last 20 years, a new study has revealed.

In a study published in the Journal of Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, a team ofacademics from Cardiff University and the University of Bristol reviewed Clinical Practice Research Data (CPRD) to estimate the prevalence of insulin use in the UK population.

"Understanding the pattern of insulin use is limited by a lack of data characterizing the prevalence of insulin use in the UK," according to Craig Currie, Professor of Applied Pharmacoepidemiology at Cardiff University's School of Medicine, who led the study alongside colleagues from the University of Bristol.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140205210415.htm

 

[Northerner]

Endo Type: Inflated Concern About Insulin Scripts?

Although a new study from the U.K. highlights the fact that prescriptions for insulin are on the rise, that's not worrisome, U.S. researchers say, given the increase in type 2 diabetes and the fact that the proportion of type 2 patients on insulin has remained relatively stable.

In a press release, study author Craig Currie, PhD, of Cardiff University in Wales decried the increase in insulin scripts: "Insulin is very expensive and some of us believe that it involves too many serious side effects in people with type 2 diabetes."

"The increase in the number of people with type 2 diabetes using insulin is a wake-up call for all, not only in terms of lifestyle choices and how we treat people with type 2 diabetes," said Currie, who could not be reached for comment.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Endocrinology/Diabetes/44188