Key points summary

This week …

• You have learnt that there are multiple factors that could explain why the action of insulin on lowering blood glucose appears to be suboptimal.

  Prior to adjusting insulin doses, full consideration should be given to the physical (step 4.2), metabolic (step 4.3) and psychological reasons (step 4.4) for reduced insulin action.

• You have learnt how the use of insulin can be associated with undesirable side effects. Hypoglycaemia (step 4.5) is commonly experienced by people using insulin.

  Steps can be taken to reduce its risk. Eating healthily and keeping active can help to reduce further weight gain associated with insulin use (step 4.7).

Allergic reactions to insulin are a rare occurrence but need to be addressed (step 4.10).