1. 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

2. 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
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!