Examples of commonly used insulin regimes

A single dose of long acting insulin (given usually at night) with 3 doses of short - acting insulin (just before each meal, or after a meal): -

• Favoured by younger people.
• Flexibility to allow dosage adjustment for normal lifestyle.

A mixture of short and intermediate-acting insulin before breakfast and before evening meal:

• Fixed mixtures, that is pre-mixed insulins, are preferred (30% short-acting, 70% intermediate-acting) e.g. Novomix, Humalog Mix, Humulin M3, Mixtard 30.
• Constant infusion of short-acting insulin, using a small pump with a boost before each meal. (This is useful in young people with unstable diabetes).

Insulin pumps are rare, but becoming more popular.

It is very important to have good glycaemic control because eventually it leads to fewer complications.

Regular checking of blood sugar at home is recommended for all patients. A drop of blood is produced by a finger prick, and sugar content is checked on a meter. One or two tests a day, done randomly, are usual, but more frequent testing is advised for unstable diabetes, or before driving.