Transitioning to Insulin Analogs in Tunisian Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Efficacy and Safety.

Abstract

Introduction: there is a lack of research evaluating the impact of therapeutic switching from human insulin to analogues, particularly in paediatric populations from low- and middle-income countries.

Aim: The study aimed to retrospectively assess the effectiveness and safety of transitioning from human insulin to insulin analogs in Tunisian children with diabetes.

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included children with type 1 diabetes who changed their insulin therapy protocol after at least one year of treatment with human insulin. Clinical, therapeutic, and glycaemic homeostasis parameters were assessed following the transition from human insulin (NPH + rapid-acting insulin) to the Basal-Bolus insulin analog- protocol.

Results: The study included 60 patients. Following the switch, all patients showed a significant reduction in mean fasting blood glucose levels (11.11 mmol/l vs. 8.62 mmol/l; p=0.024). Glycated haemoglobin A1C levels decreased notably in children who adhered to their diet (from 9.93% to 8.38%; p=0.06) and/or engaged in regular physical activity (from 10.40% to 8.61%; p=0.043). The average number of hypoglycemic events per year decreased from 4.03 events/year to 2.36 events/year (p=0.006), along with a decrease in the rate of patients hospitalized for acid-ketotic decompensation (from 27% to 10%; p=0.001). Financial constraints led to 82% of patients reusing microfine needles ≥2 times per day, and 12% were compelled to revert to the initial insulin therapy protocol due to a lack of access to self-financed microfine needles or discontinued social coverage.

Conclusions: Although insulin analogues offer clear benefits, their use poses challenges as a therapeutic choice for children with diabetes in low- to middle-income countries. These challenges hinder the achievement of optimal glycemic control goals.