HelixTalk Episode #87 - Everything You Need to Know About Insulins - In One Shot! (Part 2)

Date posted: November 20, 2018, 6:00 am

In this episode, we continue to review insulin therapy including dosing-related specifications, dosing adjustments, injection technique, patient counseling pearls, and the concept of a sliding scale.

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Key Concepts

1. There are variety of basal and bolus insulins available to help control blood glucose in patients with diabetes. The strengths/concentration within each type vary as well. 
2. Insulin dose requirements are different for type-1 and type-2 patients; it is important to understand that treatment is individualized for each patient.
3. Sliding scale insulin dosing is a reactive approach for glycemic management mainly in hospital settings. Use of sliding scale insulin should be discouraged in the outpatient setting.
4. There are a variety of insulin delivery options available. It is important to provide patient education on proper injection technique, storage, and monitoring of the treatment. 

References

1. PL Detail-Document, Comparison of Insulins and Injectable Diabetes Meds. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. March 2015.
2. Professional Resource, How to Switch Insulin Products. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter. December 2016.
3. Davies MJ, D’Alessio DA, Fradkin J, et al. Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes, 2018. A Consensus Report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD).  Diabetes Care. 2018. Available from http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2018/09/27/dci18-0033. Accessed 4 October 2018.