Improvements in quality of life associated with biphasic insulin aspart 30 in people with type 2 diabetes in China

Objective To evaluate the changes of health–related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) after starting with, or switching to, biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30). Methods From November 2008 to March 2011, eligible T2DM patients, initiating or switching to premix (BIAsp 30), basal (insulin detemir), and meal-time (insulin aspart) insulin analogs, were recruited from 130 hospitals in China. HRQoL was evaluated by European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire at baseline and 24 weeks. This study reported how HRQoL changed in Chinese people with T2DM after starting with, or switching to, BIAsp 30. Subgroup analyses were conducted. The paired t test, and Chi–square test were conducted for statistical analysis. Results The reported HRQoL measured by EQ- 5D visual analogue scale score in total cohort, subgroup switching from oral anti–diabetic drugs (OADs) and subgroup switching from human premix insulin increased by 6.2 (from 75.8 to 82.0), 5.9(from 75.7 to 81.6) and 6.6(from 75.0 to 81.6) respectively; and the EQ–5D index score over 24 weeks increased by 0.018 (from 0.875 to 0.893), 0.019(from 0.876 to 0.894) and 0.034(from 0.845 to 0.879), respectively; all the changes were statically significant (t=28.10, 19.80, 10.90, 5.90, 4.30, 3.90, all P<0.05). The percentage of patients reporting no problems in the mobility, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression dimensions of EQ–5D increased to some extent too. Conclusion BIAsp 30 treatment is associated with improved HRQoL in patients with T2DM in China. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Biphasic insulin aspart 30; Quality of life; European Quality of Life–5 Dimensions