Adjusting Insulins

Abstract

The teaching of effective insulin adjustment is a formal process that benefits from being carried out in a standardized way. The unique methods outlined in this report have been taught to people with diabetes for over 8 years. Iterative in nature, the methods are safe and work to achieve specified blood glucose or HbA 1c targets. They are designed to accommodate each individual's habits, recognizing that acceptance depends on adapting the medication to the life-style rather than vice versa. New technology was used to mediate insulin adjustments at home. Insulin adjustment of itself, however, is but one of five interdependent factors involved in successful self-management. These include (1) choosing sites of insulin injection; (2) choosing species of origin of insulins to be used; (3) reviewing life-style habits, including diet and exercise; (4) implementing dosage titration; and (5) follow-up. Lack of formalized insulin adjustment methods may be a major reason why many diabetes control programs fail to demonstrate significantly better metabolic control in their patients.