• Ask to see the patient’s insulin passport and check that the prescribed insulin product(s) match the details in the passport
• Query discrepancies with the patient and prescriber, as necessary
• Refer patients to the prescriber if they do not have an insulin passport.

• Ensure systems and/or processes are in place that identify and deal with medicines – including OTC – that might adversely interact with insulin treatment
• If a drug affecting glycaemic control is to be used, inform the relevant healthcare professional (e.g. the GP, practice nurse or pharmacist) of any additional blood glucose requirements
• Update the insulin passport if there are any changes to the patient’s medication
• Keep the dispensed insulin in the fridge until it is to be handed or delivered to the patient.

Remind patients to:

• Check they have received the right insulin by showing them the product
• Use their insulin as advised by the prescriber, including using the right insulin syringe, needle or pen, and not to miss doses. Intravenous syringes have the wrong calibration marks, leading to errors, and must not be used to administer insulin
• Test their blood glucose regularly, as appropriate for the individual patient, and in situations (e.g. illness) where increased testing may be required
• Rotate injection sites to avoid lipohypertrophy, which can lead to erratic absorption and compromise optimal glucose control
• Store insulin appropriately – most insulins should be stored in the fridge when not in use and kept at room temperature once opened, although this should be double checked in each case
• Record dates opened and use or discard any remaining product as instructed in the pack leaflet
• Dispose of any old insulin appropriately, where changes have been made, to avoid mixing it up with a new insulin product.