Clinical outcomes of switching from insulin glargine to NPH insulin in indigent patients at a charitable pharmacy: The Charitable Insulin NPH: Care for the Indigent study

ObjectivesTo assess the clinical outcomes of indigent patients with type 2 diabetes served by a charitable pharmacy after therapy change from insulin glargine to NPH insulin.DesignThis was a 24-week prospective pilot study.SettingCommunity charitable pharmacy.ParticipantsUnderserved, financially disadvantaged adults with type 2 diabetes.InterventionConversion from insulin glargine to NPH insulin.Main outcome measuresHbA1c, 30-day average blood glucose, number of suspected and confirmed hypoglycemic episodes, total insulin dose, and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) scores.ResultsPatients in both control and intervention groups improved in disease-state clinical markers, safety profile, and total insulin dose. MMAS scores were unchanged.ConclusionThere were no statistically significant differences in glycemic control or hypoglycemic episodes between the control (NPH insulin) or intervention group (insulin glargine to NPH insulin).