Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Improving IV Insulin Administration in a Community Hospital
Published on: June 11, 2012
Prospective audit of conversion from regular to lispro insulin during routine clinical care
1Diabetes Centre and Department of Medicine, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand. helen.lunt@cdhb.govt.nz
Background:
Randomized controlled trials show that lispro insulin has the potential to improve glycaemic control. Observational, practice-based studies provide information that is complementary to that obtained from randomized controlled trials and results of both types of studies are of relevance when advising patients of likely outcomes during routine clinical care.
Aims:
This prospective audit aimed to determine whether conversion from regular (short-acting, soluble) preprandial insulin to lispro during routine clinical care improved glycated haemoglobin.
Methods:
Eligible patients were those using regular insulin before main meals and a basal neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin. Study group patients were those who chose to convert to lispro insulin. Patients who elected not to change their regimen were used as a comparison group. Follow up was for a minimum of 1 year.
Results:
Glycated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) and body mass index showed no change in either the study or comparison groups. Post-hoc analysis revealed that the patients most likely to improve their HbA(1c) on lispro were those with a higher baseline HbA(1c). Patients using lispro reported a decreased frequency of hypoglycaemia and improved convenience of use.
Conclusions:
Administration of lispro insulin was perceived by patients as convenient to use and was also associated with less hypoglycaemia when compared with the use of regular insulin. There was, however, no improvement in HbA(1c). This finding may be informative when advising patients during routine clinical care of the likely metabolic outcome of changing their insulin regimen.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Diabetic Ketoacidosis l: Introduction
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations