Assessment of Insulin Storage and Administration Practices among Diabetic Patients at a Tertiary Hospital in Maiduguri, North East Nigeria

Background: Proper insulin storage and administration are critical determinants of glycaemic control in diabetes management. Errors in these practices lead to insulin degradation, subtherapeutic dosing, and poor clinical outcomes. In resource-limited settings such as North East Nigeria, patients face unique challenges related to electricity supply, refrigeration access, and health literacy. This study assessed insulin storage and administration practices among diabetic patients at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an interviewer-administered questionnaire was conducted with 200 patients on insulin therapy. Observations were also made on injection technique during a structured clinical assessment session. Key variables included storage temperature, injection site rotation, needle reuse, and patient understanding of insulin types. Results: Refrigeration was unavailable to 39 percent of patients, and 27 percent stored insulin in conditions likely to accelerate degradation. Injection site rotation was practised by only 44 percent. Needle reuse was reported by 68 percent. Fewer than half of patients correctly distinguished between basal and bolus insulin formulations. Conclusion: Insulin handling practices in Maiduguri are suboptimal across multiple domains. Structured patient education programmes and device support initiatives are essential to improving diabetes self-management outcomes. Keywords: insulin storage, diabetes management, Maiduguri, injection technique, self-care