Patients with type 2 diabetes using a wearable delivery device can have better success using regular human insulin, while also taking less of a hit to their wallets, according to the results of a recent study. 

“The modern insulins- rapid-acting insulin (RAI) analogs – have dominated the mealtime insulin market for years, but skyrocketing prices have resulted in concerns of affordability and whether their differences from other available insulins are clinically relevant,” said lead investigator Pablo Mora, MD, of the Dallas Diabetes Research Center. 

During the study, patients used the V-Go, which a press release about the study describes as a “wearable, patch-like insulin device.” The authors of the study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, said their findings suggest “a more affordable option” for insulin therapy than some of the newer and more expensive options currently on the market. 

The study included 113 patients at three sites in the United States, evaluating the safety and efficacy of using RHI. Of the total patient population, 54 were treated with the V-GO using RAI, while 59 patients switched from RAI to RHI. Researchers monitored the average change in hemoglobin A1c between the two groups. 

During the 14-week study, researchers noted a 0.6% decrease in A1c in the RHI group and a decrease of 0.38% in the RAI group. The authors also noted no difference between the groups in the total daily dose of insulin, or episodes of low blood sugar.

Previous studies have shown that RHI, which has been on the market longer and is less expensive, has been shown to take longer to reach the bloodstream and lasts longer when injected by an insulin pen or syringe. The differences between the two options can affect a patient’s blood glucose control efforts.

The V-Go device has already been approved for use with RAI in adults with diabetes. Patients using the device can receive a steady stream of insulin subcutaneously for 24 hours, but they can also get mealtime dosing on demand, Mora said in the release. The device is also disposable and can be replaced when finished. 

Results of the study were expected to be presented at the annual meeting of The Endocrine Society, which was canceled due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19.