2850-LB: Perceptions about Once-Weekly Basal Insulin among Insulin-Naïve People with Type 2 Diabetes and Psychological Insulin Resistance

Introduction and Objective: Psychological insulin resistance (PIR) delays timely basal insulin initiation in people with type 2 diabetes (PwT2D), contributing to suboptimal glycemic control and increased diabetes-related distress. This study examined perceptions of once-weekly insulin and its potential to reduce PIR among insulin-naïve PwT2D with PIR. Methods: A cross-sectional online 2026 survey enrolled 146 adult, U.S. PwT2D who were prescribed or recommended basal insulin but never started it in the prior 3 years. All participants had been diagnosed with T2D for ≥1 year and used at least 1 non-insulin diabetes medication in the past 90 days. Measures included injection preferences, willingness to initiate insulin, and attitudes toward weekly insulin. Results: Respondents were mostly male (75%) with mean (SD) age 46.1 (9.6) years, mean BMI when first recommended to start insulin 29.8 kg/m2 (8.2), and mean Type 2 Diabetes Distress Assessment System (T2-DDAS) Core scale score 3.2 (0.1). Mean time since first being recommended by an HCP to start insulin was 18.2 (9.6) months. Among all respondents, 81% “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that weekly insulin would make them more comfortable starting treatment, 83% reported that it would make insulin management less time-consuming and stressful, and 79% each expected it would support better overall health, help them continue activities they enjoy, and lead a more flexible lifestyle. The majority of respondents (57%) reported they would prefer weekly injections if available, while 36% reported preferring daily and 7% had no preference. Of those preferring weekly, 92% reported willingness to start insulin sooner if a weekly option were available, primarily driven by the possibility of fewer injections (83%). Conclusion: Among insulin-naïve PwT2D with PIR, once-weekly basal insulin was perceived as a meaningful facilitator of earlier insulin initiation, primarily due to reduced injection burden and stress around insulin management. Disclosure W. Polonsky: Consultant; Current; Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Dexcom, Inc., Abbott Diabetes. Research Support; Current; Abbott Diabetes, Dexcom, Inc. Consultant; Current; Lilly Diabetes, MannKind Corporation. Research Support; Current; Lilly Diabetes. Consultant; Current; Sanofi, Insulet Corporation. U. Desai: Other - I am an employee of Analysis Group, Inc. a consulting firm that has received funding from multiple life sciences companies over the last 24 months to conduct research projects.; Current; N/A (see “Other” field). F. Gelsey: Employee; Current; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Current; Eli Lilly and Company. R. Ghanbariamin: Other - I am an employee of Analysis Group, Inc., a consulting firm that has received funding from multiple life sciences companies over the last 24 months to conduct research projects.; Current; N/A (see “Other” field). W. da Costa Jr: Other - I am an employee of Analysis Group, Inc., a consulting firm that has received funding from multiple life sciences companies over the last 24 months to conduct research projects.; Current; Not applicable (see “Other” field). J. Chen: Other - I am an employee of Analysis Group, Inc., a consulting firm that has received funding from multiple life sciences companies over the last 24 months to conduct research projects.; Current; N/A (see"Other" field). C. Pham: Other - I am an employee of Analysis Group, Inc., a consulting firm that has received funding from multiple life sciences companies over the last 24 months to conduct research projects.; Current; N/A (see “Other” field). M.B. Davidson: Employee; Current; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Current; Eli Lilly and Company. D. Schapiro: Employee; Current; Eli Lilly and Company. Stock/Shareholder; Current; Eli Lilly and Company. Funding Eli Lilly and Company (NA)