Insulin counselling

Question 1

Check for contraindications

Answer 1

None

Question 2

How the treatment works

Answer 2

• Insulin allows the cells of your body to take up glucose from the blood and use it for energy
• This means insulin reduces the blood glucose levels
• In people with diabetes, insulin may be needed because the body cannot produce it or use it effectively

Question 3

Treatment course and how it’s taken

Answer 3

• Depends on the type of insulin regimes
• Injected using injection pen at a 90 degree angle
• Usually injected to different sites around the lower abdomen and upper outer thighs/buttocks

Question 4

Monitoring required

Answer 4

• Capillary glucose monitoring is done before each meal and before bed
• It should also be checked if there are any symptoms of a high/low blood sugar (explain)

Question 5

Side effects

Answer 5

• Weight gain
• Sharp injuries (pens should be disposed of in a sharps bin)
• Hypoglycaemia (educate patient about management)
• Lipodystrophy at injection sites