“Insulin Treatment Tips” From Diabetes Education Online

The reason I placed these in my blog instead of just placing a link is that by copying them they can function as study notes [the whole blog is essentially just my study notes] and doing this helps me remember the topic.

All that follows is from Insulin Treatment Tips by Diabetes Education Online:

In this section, you will find:

These situations may require a change in insulin dosage algorithm:

Higher doses (basal and bolus) of insulin may be needed:

  • If you are sick, or have an infection
  • If you reduce your level of activity
  • If you gain weight
  • If you are prescribed a medicine that changes your insulin sensitivity (such as Prednisone)
  • If you are under emotional stress
  • During adolescence
  • During pregnancy

Lower doses (basal and bolus) of insulin may be needed:

  • If you become more active
  • If you lose weight
  • If you have problems with kidney function

Skills check list for successful insulin therapy:

Periodically, discuss your insulin regimen with your diabetes team. New kinds of insulin and delivery systems are always being developed that could change your dose and schedule.

Tips for Storing Insulin

  • Keep opened vials at room temperature.
  • Discard opened vials after one month.
  • Refrigerate unopened vials not in use between 36-46 degrees Fahrenheit. The expiration date applies to unopened, refrigerated insulin.
  • For some pens and other dosing devices the storage life is less. Read the label.
  • Durable pens and dosing devices should NOT be refrigerated once in use.

General Notes On Medicine

It is very important to follow your insulin regimen. Do not miss any doses of insulin. Contact your doctor to discuss specific instructions in case you miss a dose of insulin.

Keep a record of all medicines and doses with you. Include non-prescription medicines, herbs, vitamins, minerals and dietary supplements. Share this list with all your health care providers, and if possible, bring all your medicine bottles to your visits.

Try to use only one pharmacy so the pharmacist has a record of all your medicines (to reduce risk of duplicating medicines and harmful drug interactions).

Learn about your medicines. Know the purpose of each medicine, and familiarize yourself with possible side effects. Know how to take each medicine, including the best time to take it and what to do if you miss a dose. Make sure you are storing your medicines correctly. Only take your medicines as prescribed. If you are taking a medicine differently, inform your doctor.

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