Basal insulin therapy.
The initiation of insulin therapy is a significant event for patients with diabetes and the physicians who care for them. Reluctance to begin insulin is multifactorial, with a major stumbling block being the perceived complexity of insulin. However, this complexity can be easily overcome by separation of insulin administration into its two components: basal and bolus therapy. An understanding of the role of basal insulin in the regulation of glucose and the development of strategies to implement basal insulin therapy can provide a transition that is rational and highly effective in most patients. The strategy also offers a unique approach to diabetes education, which permits a focused and patient-specific correction to glucose abnormalities.
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1300 E. Marshall Street, North Hospital, Room 8-045, Box 980155, Richmond, VA 23298, USA. clore@hsc.vcu.edu.
John N
JN
Clore
Linda
L
Thurby-Hay
D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy
D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin