The Trust’s Specialist Diabetes Team is promoting the importance of insulin safety during the first-ever national Insulin Safety Week.
All people with Type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin to control their blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is predominantly a progressive condition. Initially it may be possible to manage Type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes and over time, may need oral medication to help manage blood glucose levels. However, as time goes on, approximately fifty percent of people with Type 2 diabetes will need insulin treatment.
Erwin Castro, Diabetes Specialist Nurse Lead, said: “Our Specialist Diabetes Team are very passionate about improving the standards of care provided to patients with diabetes, not just in hospital but in all care settings. We continue to work tirelessly to provide education and training for all clinical staff in the effective and safe management of patients with diabetes. We have introduced numerous initiatives aimed at reducing risks of prescription and administration errors, which have been recognised nationally and Insulin Safety Week is the platform to promote this work. It is the “6 R’s” – Right person, Right insulin, Right dose, Right device, Right way and Right time.”
Around 4.5million people in the UK live with diabetes, with around 700 people a day diagnosed with the condition. It is estimated around 10% of the NHS budget is spent on diabetes which is predicted to increase in years to come. Locally, one in seven of hospital beds are occupied by patients with diabetes so it is import insulin is prescribed and administered safely whilst in hospital.
During the week members of the Diabetes Specialist Team are holding held events around the Trust promoting insulin safety, with the team on hand to answer questions from members of staff.