Half-Unit Insulin Pens: Disease Management in Patients With Diabetes Who Are Sensitive to Insulin

Abstract

Background: Insulin pens represent a significant technological advancement in diabetes management. While the vast majority have been designed with 1U-dosing increments, improved accuracy and precision facilitated by half-unit increments may be particularly significant in specific patients who are sensitive to insulin. These include patients with low insulin requirements and in those requiring more precise dose adjustments, such as the pediatric patient population. This review summarized functional characteristics of insulin half-unit pens (HUPs) and their effect on user experience. Methods: The literature search was restricted to articles published in English between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2015. A total of 17 publications met the set criteria and were included in the review. Results: Overall, studies outlined characteristics for 4 insulin HUPs. Based on their functionality, the pens were generally similar and all met the ISO 11608-1 criteria for accuracy. However, some had specific advantageous features in terms of size, weight, design, dialing torque, and injection force. Although limited, the currently available user preference studies in children and adolescents with diabetes and their carers suggest that the selection of an HUP is likely to be influenced by a combination of factors such as these, in addition to the prescribed insulin and dosing regimen. Conclusions: Insulin HUPs are likely to be a key diabetes management tool for patients who are sensitive to insulin; specific pen features may further advance diabetes management in these populations.

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