| Recommendation | Level of Evidence |
|
Recommendation 1 Nurses should assess psychosocial factors that may affect the individual’s ability to successfully initiate insulin therapy. Assessment strategies that include the use of open-ended questions to assess barriers, stressors, self-efficacy, and beliefs about insulin initiation should be used. |
III |
|
Recommendation 2 Education for administering insulin should be tailored in collaboration with the individual to address current knowledge, abilities, and needs. |
Ia |
|
Recommendation 3 Nurses should provide and/or reinforce appropriate teaching regarding insulin preparation and administration. Topics to include are:
|
IV |
|
Recommendation 4 Nurses should encourage blood glucose self-monitoring as an integral part of daily diabetes management for individuals taking insulin. The recommended frequency of testing will vary according to diabetes treatment and the individual’s need and ability. |
III |
|
Recommendation 5 Individuals who self-monitor blood glucose should receive initial instruction and periodic re-education regarding self-testing technique, meter maintenance, and verification of accuracy of self-testing results. |
III |
|
Recommendation 6 Nurses should ensure clients taking insulin receive appropriate basic nutrition information. |
IV |
|
Recommendation 7 Clients treated with insulin, and their caregivers, should be taught how to prevent, recognize and treat hypoglycemia. |
IV |
|
Recommendation 8 Nurses must be aware of the effects of acute illness, surgery, and diagnostic procedures on blood glucose levels. |
IV |
|
Recommendation 9 Nurses should provide basic education on blood glucose monitoring, dietary, and medication adjustments for periods of illness. This information should be given initially and reviewed periodically with the client. |
IV |