Assessment of Insulin Storage and Administration Practices Among Diabetic Patients in Kaduna State

Improper insulin storage and administration techniques compromise glycaemic control and can lead to injection site complications and treatment failure in diabetic patients. This study assessed insulin storage and administration practices among patients with diabetes attending the endocrinology clinic of a tertiary hospital in Kaduna, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 insulin-dependent patients. Data were collected via structured interviewer-administered questionnaires supplemented by direct observation of patient injection technique during clinic visits. Assessed parameters included insulin storage temperature, vial handling, injection site rotation, needle reuse, and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Results showed that only 51.3 percent of patients stored insulin within the recommended temperature range of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius in a refrigerator. Needle reuse beyond the recommended single use was practised by 76.9 percent of patients, with 42.5 percent reusing needles more than five times. Correct site rotation was performed by only 38.1 percent of respondents. Lipohypertrophy at injection sites was observed in 33.8 percent of patients. HbA1c levels were significantly higher among patients with poor injection practices (p < 0.01). The study concludes that insulin-related practices among diabetic patients in Kaduna State are substantially suboptimal, and recommends structured pharmacist-led diabetes self-management education incorporating hands-on injection technique training as a standard component of diabetic care. Keywords: insulin storage, injection technique, diabetes self-management, Kaduna State, glycaemic control