J Korean Diabetes.  2017 Jun;18(2):109-116. 10.4093/jkd.2017.18.2.109.

Evidence for Questions by Diabetes Educators When Teaching Insulin Injection in Clinical Practice

• Lee JR

• KMID: 2385572
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2017.18.2.109

Abstract

International injection recommendations for patients with diabetes have recently been published and have identified specific recommendations for health care professionals. The purpose of this article is to provide evidence-based insight based in relevant papers that provide useful information for the questions that educators in the field of insulin injection training may have. Research regarding skin and subcutaneous thickness reveals that shorter needles may be appropriate for the majority of patients regardless of body mass index. With respect to reusing needles, further research is needed to provide evidence that this is safe. Periodic reassessment of injection techniques, including suspension of cloudy insulin and inspection of injection sites for lipohypertrophy, is a critical aspect of the role of the diabetes educator. Education of diabetic patients should be conducted throughout their lives. It will be necessary to continually review each patient's social, economic, and physical needs as they change over time and modify their care and education needs accordingly.

Keyword

Diabetes mellitus; Health educators; Injection; Patient education; Subcutaneous

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Delivery of Health Care
Diabetes Mellitus
Education
Health Educators
Humans
Insulin*
Needles
Patient Education as Topic
Skin
Insulin

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