Errors of insulin therapy: Real-life experiences from developing world

• Main Authors: Subhankar Chowdhury, Partha Pratim Chakraborty
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2017-01-01
• Series: Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
• Subjects: Faulty injection technique; injection site abscess; insulin therapy; lipodystrophy; medication errors
• Online Access: http://www.jfmpc.com/article.asp?issn=2249-4863;year=2017;volume=6;issue=4;spage=724;epage=729;aulast=Chowdhury

A significant bulk of people living with diabetes is on insulin therapy aiming for satisfactory glycemic control and resultant reduction in vascular complications of diabetes. Insulin undoubtedly is the most potent antihyperglycemic agent. However, a significant proportion of insulin-treated diabetics fails to achieve the desired glycemic goal. Errors of insulin therapy remain an important and correctable factor in many of them. Such errors of insulin therapy can potentially arise at each and every step starting from the office of the clinicians while prescribing it for the first time up to the point of administration. Here, we share some of our clinical experiences on potential errors of insulin therapy and discuss preventive measures to overcome these simple barriers to achieve long-term glycemic control. We believe, these unfortunate but interesting scenarios, though rampant in the developing world may not be uncommon in the other parts of the world if carefully looked for. It is important for the clinicians to learn from these experiences with insulin therapy because it represents, for a majority of patients, the last option in our therapeutic armamentarium.