Peer Reviewed
Perspectives
Insulin and type 2 diabetes: how and when to start
Abstract
The early introduction of the concept that diabetes is a progressive disease and that escalation of pharmacological therapy is often needed is a useful manoeuvre to assist patients with the initiation of insulin.
Key Points
- Many patients with type 2 diabetes will require insulin.
- Basal insulins and premixed insulins can both be effective but the choice of which insulin to use will depend on the pattern of the blood glucose abnormalities.
- Patients’ blood glucose profile should be reviewed regularly.
- The mechanics of insulin administration can be simple but patients should be reviewed by a diabetes educator and dietitian.
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