What supplies should be given to patients with insulin?

Essential Supplies for Insulin Administration

When providing insulin to patients, essential supplies should include insulin syringes or pens, alcohol swabs, a sharps container for disposal, blood glucose monitoring equipment, and glucagon for emergency hypoglycemia treatment. These supplies are critical for ensuring safe and effective insulin administration while minimizing risks of complications.

Core Insulin Administration Supplies

Insulin Delivery Devices

• Insulin syringes or pens: Choose based on patient preference, insulin type, dosing regimen, cost, and self-management capabilities 1
  • Syringes: Available in 1 mL, 0.5 mL, and 0.3 mL sizes (for up to 100,50, and 30 units of U-100 insulin respectively) 1
  • Insulin pens: May be preferable for patients with dexterity issues or vision impairment 1
  • Connected insulin pens: Useful for dose tracking and data reports 1

Needles

• Pen needles or syringe needles:
  • Shortest needles (4-mm pen and 6-mm syringe needles) are recommended as first-line choice 2
  • Needle gauge ranges from 22 to 34 (higher gauge = thinner needle) 1
  • Shorter needles (4-5 mm) reduce risk of intramuscular injection 1

Blood Glucose Monitoring

• Blood glucose meter with test strips: Essential for monitoring glucose levels and adjusting insulin doses 1
• Lancets and lancing device: For obtaining blood samples for glucose testing 1
• Control solution: To check meter accuracy 1

Safety and Emergency Supplies

• Alcohol swabs: For skin preparation before injection 1
• Sharps container: For safe disposal of used needles and syringes 3
• Glucagon emergency kit: For treating severe hypoglycemia 1
• Fast-acting carbohydrates: At least 15g for treating mild-moderate hypoglycemia 1

Proper Storage and Handling

• Refrigeration for unopened insulin: Store between 36-46°F (2-8°C) 1
• Room temperature storage for in-use insulin: To limit local irritation at injection site 1
• Spare insulin vials/pens: Always have backup supplies available 1
• Insulated travel case: For transporting insulin while maintaining appropriate temperature 1

Patient Education Materials

• Injection technique instructions: Including proper site rotation 1
• Hypoglycemia management guide: Signs, symptoms, and treatment 1
• Blood glucose log or app: For tracking readings and identifying patterns 1
• Medical identification: Bracelet or card indicating insulin use 1

Special Considerations

For Patients with Visual or Dexterity Impairments

• Insulin pens with audible clicks: For easier dose setting 1
• Injection aids: To assist with proper injection technique 1
• Magnifiers: For reading insulin doses on syringes or pens 1

For Pediatric Patients

• Age-appropriate education materials: For both patients and caregivers 2
• Shorter needles: To avoid intramuscular injection 2

Safe Disposal Practices

• Dedicated sharps container: Essential for all patients using insulin 3
• Local disposal information: Instructions on proper disposal according to local regulations 1
• Never reuse or share needles: To prevent infection risk 1, 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Inadequate supplies: Ensure patients have all necessary items before starting insulin
2. Improper needle disposal: Approximately one-third of patients unsafely dispose of sharps, creating public health hazards 4
3. Needle reuse: While some patients reuse needles for economic reasons, this practice may lead to lipohypertrophy 2
4. Lack of emergency supplies: Always provide glucagon and hypoglycemia treatment instructions
5. Insufficient education: 64% of patients report not receiving education on safe sharps disposal 4

By ensuring patients have these essential supplies and proper education on their use, healthcare providers can help optimize insulin therapy outcomes and reduce complications related to insulin administration.