10 Top tips for insulin administration Before preparing

10 Top tips for insulin administration • Before preparing insulin verify insulin dose, prescription and insulin timing • Check with the patient • You should NEVER draw up insulin with a syringe from pen devices or cartridges • Ensure blood glucose levels have been check before administration of insulin • Use an insulin safety needle • An air shot is required before every injection • Always check you have the ‘right patient; right insulin, right dose, right time’ a second checker is required • Ensure you inject into fatty tissue • Always wait 10 seconds before removing the needle • Think could the patient self-administer their insulin? If answer “yes” refer to local policy

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 TOP TIPS for the SAFE use of INSULIN For all patients on insulin ensure insulin is safely prescribed (6 R’s – right person, right insulin, right time, right dose, right device, right concentration) Always write “UNITS” in full (pre-printed on some charts) – NEVER abbreviate Know the actions of different insulins (rapid, short, long, etc) NEVER OMIT long acting (background) insulin in patients with type 1 diabetes If insulin dose is omitted : REVIEW patient immediately For patients with DKA follow the DKA guidance and use DKA proforma For pts who require iv insulin (not DKA) prescribe iv insulin (variable rate intravenous infusion - VRII) and follow local guidance All patients receiving IV insulin (VRII) should be prescribed IV dextrose to avoid hypoglycaemia Continue long acting/basal insulin alongside IV insulin Think - should I be stopping iv insulin (VRII)? Yes - if eating & drinking No - if NBM/peri-operative and fasting/acutely unwell 10. Complete e-Learning module or face to face training If an insulin regime does not make sense – ask for help. Listen to the patient they live with diabetes 365 days of the year!