Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The Flexible Insulin therapy (FIT) is considered as the therapeutic reference of type 1 Diabetes mellitus. FIT Improves diabetic patient’s quality of life with a great benefit, through food flexibility while providing optimal glycemic control with reduced incidence of both acute and chronic complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate satisfaction on changing treatment as a result of education FIT.

Methods: Prospective study including 73 patients with diabetes type 1 (T1D) who participated on FIT program during the period between April 2013- July 2017. To assess satisfaction treatment after FIT, we used validated questionnaires of satisfaction with the treatment by patient during the consultation after the first week for the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire Version status (DTQ14s) and at consultation after the third month for the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire change version (DTQ14c). Patients with an overall score> 25 on the scale of DTQ14s were considered very satisfied, or have assigned a score of 3 in items of DTQ14c.

Results: Mean age of patients was 24.7 years (13-49) with a mean diabetes duration of 7 years (5 months-23 years). The A1C average before the FIT was 9.2% (5 to 13.8%). The evolution after 3 months was marked by improving glycemic control found on lowering HbA1c by an average of 1.5% (0.7–3) a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of hypoglycemia. Regarding the initial satisfaction with the treatment, according to the DTQ14s, patients were generally quite satisfied with their treatment with an average overall score to 21/36 ±6.8. After 3 months of the FIT, the DTQ14c showed that 65% of patients were very satisfied with the flexibility of the new regimen, 53% of patients reported a better understanding of their diabetes and 72% were convinced from the convenience of their current treatment. Furthermore, 69% of patients were willing to recommend the FIT to other patients.

Conclusion: Despite the binding nature of carbohydrate counting and blood glucose monitoring, FIT allows positively improvement of patient’s quality of life. Most patients find this quite flexible and satisfactory method, enabling them to better assimilate their illness to better daily management of diabetes.