TheV-Go insulin delivery device used in clinical practice: patient perception and retrospective analysis of glycemic control.

OBJECTIVE

To describe patient perceptions regarding their experience and to report findings in a retrospective analysis of glycemic control in a cohort of patients who used the V-Go, a mechanical, 24-hour disposable, subcutaneous continuous insulin delivery device that delivers a preset basal infusion rate and on-demand insulin.

METHODS

Patients used the V-Go and answered telephone surveys about their perception of device use. Corresponding clinical data were retrospectively collected before V-Go initiation, after 12 weeks of use, at the end of treatment, and 12 weeks after discontinuation. Analyses were performed with nonparametric statistical tests.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients participated. Mean values of the following characteristics were documented: patient age, 61 years; body mass index, 30 kg/m2; diabetes duration, 16 years; duration of insulin therapy, 7 years; average duration of V-Go use, 194 days; and mean total daily insulin dose, 50 U at baseline, 46 U while on V-Go, and 51 U after stopping V-Go treatment. Mean patient rating of the overall experience was 9.1 at 12 weeks on a scale from 1 to 10 (10 being most positive). Mean hemoglobin A1c value decreased from baseline (8.8% to 7.6%; [P = .005]) while using the V-Go, and it increased to 8.2% after treatment. Fasting plasma glucose trended from 205 mg/dL at baseline to 135 mg/dL while using V-Go and increased to 164 mg/dL after V-Go was stopped. Weight was essentially unchanged. No differences in hypoglycemic events were found; site reactions were minor.

CONCLUSION

Glycemic control improved when patients were switched to the V-Go for insulin delivery, and it deteriorated when the V-Go was discontinued.