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INSULIN PEN FOR DIABETIC CONTROL

Is insulin pen injector merely an expensive gimmick or a real advance ? It is simply a device made of plastic or metal, shaped like a pen, and holding a cartridge which can deliver metered amounts of insulin. By pressing a button, 2 units of insulin are indicated delivered by a visual or audible scale.

The most physiological way of treating diabetes is to provide a background level of insulin by means of a long-acting preparation (rag, ultralente) once daily, with injections of soluble insulin before each meal. If this regimen is followed,'a pen is a great advantage. The device can be carried in a pocket or handbag and there is no need to carry a bottle or syringe. One cart draw up the insulin, or remove air bubbles; and injections can be given simply and quickly. To many diabetics, use of a pen is more socially acceptable than injecting with a syringe, and it removes real anxieties about accusation of being a drug addict. Some studies have shown improved control and there has been no increase in episodes of hypoglycaemia.

The pen costs about Rs. 800/- abroad. In India both the pen and cartridges are not yet available. Certainly their availability would improve the management of children in India.

Abstracted f rom : Lancet 1989; i : 307-308.