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How to minimise insulin errors

Jane Diggle

Updated in 2022, this quick guide reviews the steps that should be taken to reduce the risks involved in the prescribing, preparation and administration of insulin.

Readers are directed to the PDF version of this article.

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In 2018, Diabetes UK reported that over 1 million people in the UK relied on insulin to manage their diabetes.¹

Insulin is a high-risk medication and, with the launch of different insulin concentrations and biosimilar insulins, it is crucial for all healthcare practitioners involved in prescribing, preparing or administering insulin to possess the knowledge and competency to do so safely.

Updated in 2022, this quick guide reviews the steps that should be taken to reduce the risks involved in the prescribing, preparation and administration of insulin.

Readers are directed to the PDF version of this article.

REFERENCES:

1. Diabetes UK (202) Diabetes is serious. Available at: https://bit.ly/3MJ9nRx

2. National Patient Safety Agency (2010) Rapid Response Report: Safer administration of insulin. Available at: https://bit.ly/2xGv0wn

3. NICE (2022) Type 2 diabetes in adults: management [NG28]. Available at: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng28

4. NHS Improvement (2016) Risk of severe harm and death due to withdrawing insulin from pen devices. Available at: https://bit.ly/3W98lCM

5. PCDS (2015) PCDS statement on the drawing-up of insulin using insulin syringes from insulin pen cartridges and prefilled pens. Diabetes & Primary Care 17: 49–51

6. Health and Safety Executive (2013) Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013. Guidance for employers and employees. Available at: https://bit.ly/32HTrqo

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