Know your insulin! - Insulin Safety Week
This Insulin Safety Week we remind people living with diabetes of the importance of understanding more about the essential medicine they use to treat their diabetes.
For people living with type 1 diabetes (and some with type 2) taking insulin to treat the condition is a part of the every day routine.
Maintaining good control of the condition is essential to self-manage and avoid complications – and all the more reason to understand all you can about the medicine and how it is delivered – whether by injection, or through a device, such as continuous glucose monitoring.
Insulin Safety Week takes place this week from 11th to 17th May.
Organisers Orange Juice Communications said: “The campaign’s primary objective is to raise awareness of insulin safety within the healthcare community.”
The DRWF diabetes information resource What is diabetes? includes the following guidance on taking insulin:
“Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin, which has to be injected or infused daily. There are many different types of insulin delivery-mechanisms, and healthcare professionals can help to advise on these for individuals. Insulin injection sites should always be rotated, otherwise fatty pads may build up under the skin if insulin is injected repeatedly in the same area. This can affect insulin absorption and its action on glucose levels. Sharps, needles and lancets always need to be disposed of carefully, with sharps bins available on prescription. The backbone of treating type 2 diabetes is mainly around encouraging healthy eating choices and physical activity.
“Type 2 diabetes is a progressive condition and often, over time, tablets and/or other forms of medication do become necessary and may even progress to a need for insulin.
“Most people require medication to help manage diabetes, yet fewer than half remember to take them as prescribed. When taking medication, always make sure you know what each tablet or injection is for, any side effects to be expected and when to have a review. Medications are offered to help reduce the risk of longer term damage to the body that diabetes can cause. If you have a concern with your medication, please let your care team know.”
More information on diabetes and insulin can be read in the DRWF diabetes information resource Diabetes management when you are ill
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