Insulin devices: addressing barriers to insulin therapy with the ideal pen.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to identify and address barriers to initiating insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: Insulin pen devices address many of the mechanical barriers associated with a syringe and vial. In addition, pen devices are increasingly being improved, offering long-term pen users benefits over earlier pen users. These devices can be tailored to address the specific needs of different patient populations, such as elderly patients or those with visual or manual dexterity disabilities. Although insulin devices offer benefits over the syringe and vial, features desirable in the ideal pen have not been established. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that currently available insulin pens possess various features that make them suitable for particular patients. Individual needs of each patient should be considered before an insulin pen device is prescribed.