Insulin safety week: Think glucose, think insulin

May 24, 2019

Insulin safety week aims to raise awareness of all things insulin related but more importantly, raise awareness about reducing insulin errors, in particular – insulin safety among healthcare professionals.

Here are some tips for increasing your knowledge and keeping safe when using insulin therapy:

• The Trust requires that all those involved in prescribing and administering insulin complete the ‘6 steps to insulin safety’ module on Quest or online https://www.diabetesonthenet.com/
• There are many types of insulin available. You can find a list of compatible insulins and their action profile in policies and guidelines  https://myconnect.swbh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Diabetes-Compatible-Insulin-Substitutions-Think-Glucose-SWBH.pdf?x80510
• Insulin must be prescribed on the correct insulin prescription chart.
• Ensure insulin is given at the correct time. All quick acting (e.g. Apidra) and mixed insulins 9e.g. Humulin M3) are given at a mealtime before patient starts eating unless otherwise instructed.
• Never omit long acting insulin, even when the patient is on intravenous insulin. Long acting insulin dose can be reduced when there’s a concern regarding hypoglycaemia. If long acting insulin has been omitted escalate immediately and complete an IR1.
• Always use the correct insulin safety pen needle when administering insulin and ensure safe disposal.
• Consider your discharge plan – who will administer insulin following discharge?
• Ensure patient is provided a supply of insulin pen needles on discharge.
• Variable Rate Intravenous Insulin Infusion (VRIII) is not needed if the patient is eating.
• Know how to refer to Think Glucose via ICM