Addressing barriers to initiation of insulin in patients with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is progressive in nature and many people with the condition will inevitably require insulin therapy to attain and maintain adequate glycaemic control. In clinical practice, insulin initiation is delayed in many patients who would benefit from such treatment. Patients' and physicians' beliefs and perceptions regarding insulin therapy are known to create barriers contributing to the delay in its initiation. This article explores the nature of these barriers and offers suggestions and practical solutions for addressing and overcoming these hurdles so that insulin can be initiated confidently and appropriately in order to improve diabetes care.