Safe insulin prescribing

Question 1

What are the 5 principles of safer insulin prescribing according to NICE guidelines?

Answer 1

1. Advise people to only use insulin in the way they’ve been trained
2. Ensure those on insulin therapy are educated about management of hypoglycaemia.
3. Ensure that diabetics who use insulin and
   drive are aware of the need of you to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
4. Ensure those receiving insulin therapy are given appropriate information about sick day rules.
5. Give adults who are using insulin therapy a patient information booklet and an Insulin Passport.

Question 2

What are sick day rules?

Answer 2

clear guidance (‘sick-day’ rules) given to all people with/ carers of type 1 diabetes to help them manage their condition during illness.

Question 3

How do sick day rules differ between children and adults who suffer from type 1 diabetes?

Answer 3

In children and young people,

• information on monitoring blood glucose
• monitoring and interpreting blood ketones
• adjusting insulin regimens, - food and fluid intake
• when to seek help.

in adults:

• Information on how to adjust their insulin dose during illness,
• ketone monitoring (blood or urine) to help self manage hyperglycaemia