'For me, it didn't seem as drastic a step as being controlled by insulin': A qualitative investigation of expectations and experiences of non-insulin injectable therapy among adults with type 2 diabetes

Aims This qualitative study aims to explore beliefs, attitudes and experiences of injectable glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) use and discontinuation, as well as attitudes to further injectable treatment intensification, among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods Nineteen in-depth semi-structured interviews lasting (mean +/- standard deviation) 45 +/- 18 min were conducted, face-to-face (n = 14) or via telephone (n = 5). Transcripts were analysed using inductive template analyses. Eligible participants were English-speaking adults with T2D who had recently initiated (<= 3 years) GLP-1RA treatment. Results Participants were aged 28-72 years, who predominantly lived in metropolitan areas (n = 15), and had an experience of daily (n = 11) and/or once-weekly (n = 13) GLP-1RA formulations. Six participants had discontinued treatment and seven had trialled two or more formulations. Expectations and experiences of GLP-1RA were related to the perceived: (1) symbolism and stigma of injectable diabetes treatment; (2) ease of injectable administration and device preferences; (3) treatment convenience and social impact; (4) treatment efficacy and benefits, and; (5) negative treatment side effects. Some participants reported increased receptiveness to insulin therapy following their GLP-1RA experience, others emphasised unique concerns about insulin beyond injectable administration. Conclusions This study provides a novel understanding of expectations and experience of non-insulin injectables among Australian adults with T2D. Our data suggest expectations may be informed by attitudes to insulin therapy, while perceived treatment benefits (e.g. weight-related benefits, administration frequency) may motivate uptake and ongoing use despite concerns. Experience of GLP-1RA injections may impact receptiveness to future insulin use.

Automated summary

This qualitative study explores beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of injectable glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) use and discontinuation among adults with type 2 diabetes. The study found that expectations and experiences of GLP-1RAs were influenced by factors such as symbolism, ease of administration, treatment convenience, efficacy, and side effects. Some participants showed increased receptiveness to insulin therapy following their GLP-1RA experience, while others had unique concerns about insulin beyond injectable administration.