title: The IMPROVE study--a multinational, multicentre, observational study in type 2 diabetes: results from the Italian cohort.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The IMPROVE study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30) in type 2 diabetes patients in the routine practice. Here we present the results for patients from Italy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adverse events, hypoglycaemia, glycaemic control, patient treatment satisfaction and physician resource utilisation were assessed at baseline and 26 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of the 1371 patients enrolled, 84.1% (n=1153) were receiving BIAsp 30 at baseline (in accordance with local regulations), and were included in the study. Mean HlbA, reduction was--0.63% after 26 weeks (p < 0.001); 26.5% and 13.5% of patients reached the HbA(1c) targets of < 7% and < 6.5%, respectively. Fasting and postprandial blood glucose significantly decreased; 65% of patients were using BIAsp 30 once daily and 32% twice daily at final visit. Rates of major and minor hypoglycaemic events also significantly decreased. Small weight increase was observed, and total insulin daily dose increased from 0.29 IU/kg pre-study to 0.32 IU/kg at final visit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In Italy, BIAsp 30 in the routine care improved glycaemic control and reduced hypoglycaemia; however, there was little intensification and titration. This may partly explain the relatively small improvement in glycaemic control in Italy compared with other countries in the IMPROVE study.
authors.affiliation: Metabolism and Diabetes Unit, ASL TO5, Regione Piemonte, Chieri, Italy. diabetologia.dir@aslto5.piemonte.it
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giorda
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Boemi
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Borzì
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chiaramonte
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mattei
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tribulato
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D061265:Biphasic Insulins; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D061267:Insulin Aspart; D007336:Insulin, Isophane; D007391:International Cooperation; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction
chemical_list: D061265:Biphasic Insulins; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin; D061267:Insulin Aspart; D007336:Insulin, Isophane; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human; C557564:insulin aspart, insulin aspart protamine drug combination 30:70