Insulin Therapy.

Abstract

Insulin is a safe, effective, and versatile therapy for the inpatient management of diabetes. Insulin is available as long-acting and short-acting formulations, and special forms of insulin such as intermediate or ultraconcentrated insulin. Evidence supports the use of insulin in hospitalized patients as basal-bolus and basal only along with utilization of supplemental or correctional insulin. Initiation of insulin should consider patient factors like weight, age, renal function, insulin naïve, and nutritional status. Dose titration should be systematic based on persistent hyperglycemia or the development of hypoglycemia.