Intravenous insulin use: technical aspects and caveats

Insulin has been in use for nearly a century, but its real clinical worth has been utilized only in the last one and half decade after the landmark study on tight glycaemic control by van Den Berghe. Intravenous (i.v.) insulin is the mainstay of treatment for hyperglycaemia in many acute settings as well as in managing diabetic complications. However, i.v. insulin usage may be associated with numerous potential errors which may have unintended consequences. A thorough knowledge of various aspects associated with insulin injection techniques such as preparations of i.v. insulin, calculation of correct dosage, precautions while using insulin with various i.v. fluids, formulating strategies to minimize insulin adsorption to tubing surface, choosing appropriate insulin injection accessories and devices, can help in optimal control of hyperglycaemia with minimal errors. Improvisation of insulin injection techniques is often necessary in resource challenged settings to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with uncontrolled hyperglycaemia.