Reduced pain perception with Pen MateTM an automatic needle insertion device for use with an insulin pen

The study examined glycaemic control and pain perception in patients using NovoPen® 3 with or without PenMateTM, an automatic injection device, in an open, cross-over trial. Patients (n=57), who had been injecting insulin for at least 12 months and who had been using Novo Pen®3 for at least six weeks prior to the study, were randomised to use Novo Pen®3 with or without Pen MateTM for six weeks, before crossing over to the alternate system for a further six weeks. Pain perception was recorded night and morning on a 100mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Glycaemic control was monitored by HbA1c measurements and by 4-point blood glucose profiles. Pain perception was significantly lower with PenMateTM (p=0.005). No statistical difference in HbA1c, blood glucose profiles or adverse events were found between the two systems. Patients found PenMateTM easy to use and 84% said they would recommend the device to a person who is uncomfortable with needles.