| Abstract: |
The medical practice of many physicians now includes handling ever-increasing numbers of patients with diabetes. Insulin therapy is a medical necessity for all patients with type 1 diabetes and the many patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot reach their glycemic (levels of blood glucose) without insulin therapy. This handbook offers solutions to the many common challenges involved in prescribing insulin, from choosing insulin regimens, to dealing with patient reluctance to start insulin therapy, to minimize the weight gain that often accompanies improved glycemic control. Specific topics include patient selection, insulin choices, the different types of insulin and their character, mixing insulins, insulin regimens (for type 1 and for type 2 patients), troubleshooting, patient SMBG (self monitoring of blood glucose) records, and patient education. The handbook also includes numerous appendices: endogenous insulin action, insulin storage, insulin potency, additives, insulin delivery, insulin pump, and determining insulin-to-CHO (carbohydrates) ratio. The author notes that there are no standards for how to best use insulin therapy; individual patient strategies must be implemented. 11 figures. 11 tables. |