Psychological insulin resistance in a Chinese population

What is it about?

Refusal to insulin therapy, called psychological insulin resistance (PIR), is very common worldwide but there is a lack of data in Chinese population. We also examine if PIR is associated with psychosocial factors espeically depression. We found around half of the insulin naive patients have PIR. Multiple factors such as current insulin use, a family history of insulin use, a high education level, male sex, and having received counseling from a physician about insulin within the previous 6 months affected the level of PIR.

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Why is it important?

This study confirmed that a high proportion of Chinese, primary care patients with diabetes have PIR. Ways to reduce or tackle PIR should be studied. Instruments such as insulin treatment appraisal scales may help clinicians to understand reasons behind PIR and offer appropiate management.