Reuse of disposable syringes and needles in patients with type 2 diabetes

Results From October 2014 to January 2015, we included 28 participants. Fifteen (54%) were female, average age was 67 (SD 14) yrs. and average BMI was 30 kg/m2 (SD 8). Household monthly income was less than R$ 1.000 (US$ 317) for 68% of the participants. Median time of insulin therapy was 10 yrs. (range 6 to 20 yrs.); 23 (74%) selfadministered insulin injections. Twenty-seven (96%) participants receive needles, syringes and insulin from public health system. Reuse of disposable syringes and needles was reported by 75% of participants. The frequency of re-utilization of needles and syringes ranged from two to 21 times; the median re-use frequency was three (IQR 3 to 7.5). Main reasons for syringe and needle changes was pain (54%), guidance of a health professional (14%) and blunt needle (14%). Twenty-two subjects (79%) reported not having received any guidance from a health professional regarding the reuse of needles and syringes. Only 16 (57%) of the participants disinfect with alcohol the injection site; hand-washing before insulin-administration was reported by 26 (93%) subjects. Although not recommended, twelve (43%) disinfect the needle with alcohol for reuse. Needlesticks injures due to syringes and needles reuse were reported by 13 (46%) participants. Lipohypertrophy was present in two (7%), hematomas in five (18%), and one subject had injection site infection at the time of the evaluation.