It’s Insulin Safety Week, and our Diabetes Team have some key messages to share with colleagues to raise awareness of insulin safety, especially when caring for inpatients.

They've prepared a briefing, attached below, which covers the seven key facts this week:

1. Never omit or stop subcutaneous intermittent or basal insulin in Type 1 diabetes
2. Always check the name and strength of insulin 
3. Giving insulin at the right time is paramount
4. Do not use a syringe to withdraw insulin from a pre-filled pen device
5. If blood glucose monitoring isn’t followed it can result in rebound hyperglycaemia
6. Measures to avoid hypoglycaemia
7. The safe disposal of sharps helps reduce the risk of needlestick injuries

Safe use of diabetes technology - extra CPD points on offer with e-Learning on offer

This year's awareness week focuses on the safe use of diabetes technology to reduce insulin errors within the healthcare profession.

The team have created an extra flyer to remind colleagues to check whether patients are using technology to manage their condition, as well as understanding the difference between the types of pumps and the risks of removing them.

There are free e-Learning modules on offer and colleagues can choose between hospital and community focused training.

Read more in the attachments below.