Sliding Scale Insulin Alone Versus Scheduled Insulin Regimens
Learn How GlyCare Can Help in the Prevention of Glucose Abnormalities
By Jennifer Peterson, DNP, APRN, LMT, FNP-BC
In hospitals, there is a reflexive behavior to order sliding scale insulin alone, but is that best for the patient? Sliding scale insulin is otherwise known as correctional insulin, a name that speaks to its purpose. It is designed to correct any premeal or nighttime hyperglycemia. Corrections are great and often necessary, but why are we only correcting instead of preventing hyperglycemia in the first place?
Hospitals opt to correct vs. prevent with sliding scale insulin orders
The purpose of basal insulin, or background insulin, is to control glucose levels at a constant, steady-state while the body is fasting, such as during periods of sleep or between meals. This background regulation of glucose levels is achieved using long-acting insulin. Prandial insulin, or scheduled mealtime insulin, is either a short-acting or rapid-acting insulin designed to control the glycemia of the current meal. This insulin works in conjunction with the body’s natural physiological response to control postprandial hyperglycemia. Typically, the prandial insulin dose is based on the number of carbohydrates that will be consumed. This can sometimes be difficult to determine while in the hospital, which is one of the reasons why providers simply order sliding scale, opting to correct vs. prevent.
How GlyCare can help prevent vs. correct with patient-cetnered care
A diabetes management team, such as GlyCare, can help in the prevention of glucose abnormalities. Following ADA guidelines, GlyCare uses the consistent application of evidence-based, safe, conservative algorithms in combination with patient-centered care to formulate an appropriate care plan for each patient. Learn more about GlyCare at www.glycaredmp.com. The more we can prevent, the less there is to correct!
About the author
Dr. Jennifer Peterson, Nurse Practitioner, is the Director of Quality Assurance and Integration for GlyCare. She has years of experience managing diabetes for patients in the hospital and now trains other nurse practitioners to do the same. Dr. Peterson also ensures GlyCare provides high-quality services for all patients through a quality review program she created.
Learn more about partnering with GlyCare for a turn-key diabetes management service. For more information on how to incorporate either in-person or virtual diabetes management, contact us today.