Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Type 2 Diabetic Patients at the Time of Insulin Initiation: A National, Multicenter, Retrospective Study: INS-TUR

Objective: In Türkiye, insufficient data are available on the demographic and clinical characteristics of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) initiating insulin therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics, including concomitant complications, of people with T2DM at the time of insulin initiation in Türkiye.

Methods: A national, multicenter, non-interventional, retrospective observational study was conducted in 34 centers from 18 cities in Türkiye. Male and female insulin-na.ve people with T2DM aged >18 years who initiated insulin treatment before enrollment at the discretion of the treating physician were enrolled at selected sites.

Results: Mean time from first antidiabetic medication to insulin initiation was 6.4 ± 6.81 years (n = 342), and mean value for duration of diabetes was 7.2 ± 6.79 years (n = 422). Mean HbA1c was 10.6 ± 2.16%, and fasting blood glucose was 262 ± 101.4 mg/dL at the time of insulin initiation. Basal insulin was the most preferred insulin type (90.2%), and the mean daily starting dose was (20.1 ±10.1). Biguanides were the most frequently prescribed antidiabetic drug (84.8%), followed by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (35.1%), and sulfonylureas (21.8%).

Conclusion: The results indicate the need for improved diabetes management, with early insulin initiation, to improve glycemic control and prevent or delay the development of diabetic complications.

Cite this article as: Çömlekçi A, Adas M, Atmaca A, et al. Demographic and clinical characteristics of type 2 diabetic patients at the time of insulin initiation: A national, multicenter, retrospective study: INS-TUR. Endocrinol Res Pract. 2026;30(3):153-158.