Types of insulin
The dosing complexity, variety of formulations and similarities in the names and packaging of insulin products have potential for errors and insulin-related harm. The three main types of error are:
- Using the wrong insulin product
- Omitted or delayed insulin dose
- Wrong insulin dose.
These accounted for 60 per cent of 16,600 insulin-related adverse drug events reported in the UK between 2003-09. One in four resulted in patient harm. Incidents occurred at all stages of the medication process, with 17 per cent being prescribing errors and 10 per cent dispensing errors.
Insulin preparations that are available in the UK can be categorised by source and speed.