Insulin Initiation in Type 2 Diabetes Infographic-Insulin Initiation in Type 2 Diabetes Infographic

Insulin Initiation in Type 2 Diabetes Infographic

Pdf Summary

The document is an infographic based on the American Diabetes Association's 2024 Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes, specifically focusing on the initiation of basal insulin therapy for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. It provides guidance on when and how to start insulin therapy for patients who aren't able to reach their blood sugar targets despite receiving maximal non-insulin therapy. Basal insulin therapy is highlighted for its benefits, including effective lowering of A1C levels and fasting glucose, convenient once-daily dosing, and its use as an adjunct to current therapies.<br /><br />Key factors to consider when initiating insulin include addressing severe hyperglycemia and therapeutic inertia. The document discusses the safety and cost considerations associated with basal insulin types such as NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) and basal insulin analogs. It emphasizes regular reassessment and modification of treatment every 3 to 6 months.<br /><br />Starting doses for basal analog or NPH are suggested at 10 units or 0.1–0.2 units per kilogram of body weight, with specific titration parameters and self-titration using an evidence-based algorithm. For instance, a standard target may be to adjust by 2 units every 3 days or to reduce by 10–20% in cases of unexplained hypoglycemia. Clinical judgment is always advised in managing diabetes. The infographic also encourages clinicians to learn more about therapeutic inertia via resources provided by the ADA, supported in part by the Overcoming Therapeutic Inertia initiative. <br /><br />For further information, contact options and resources are provided, including a helpline number.

Keywords

American Diabetes Association

2024 Standards of Medical Care

Type 2 Diabetes

basal insulin therapy

A1C levels

therapeutic inertia

NPH insulin

insulin titration

hypoglycemia management

Overcoming Therapeutic Inertia