[Update on the use of insulins for the primary care physician]

Semergen. 2022 Jan-Feb;48(1):54-62. doi: 10.1016/j.semerg.2021.04.011. Epub 2021 Jul 12.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Insulin treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients is still essential and its usage has increased during recent years. Despite this, the level of control continues to be very poor. Insulin treatment is initiated with control levels above the recommendations set by the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) and patients are exposed to very high blood glucose levels during long periods of time. This paper reviews the role of insulin in the different CPG, the criteria for therapy initiation and intensification, the beginning of the intensification and the different types of insulin which are commercialized in our country. Moreover, we discuss insulinization in special situations such as corticosteroid treatment, fragile elderly patients, palliative care situations, chronic kidney disease or during Ramadan. Finally, the problem of therapeutic inertia in insulinization is also addressed.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus tipo 2; Diabetes mellitus type 2; Insulin; Insulina; Médicos atención primaria; Primary care physician.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Glucose
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Glycated Hemoglobin / analysis
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Insulins*
  • Physicians, Primary Care*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glycated Hemoglobin A
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin
  • Insulins