Why you should read this article:

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To enhance your knowledge of the use of insulin therapy in diabetes mellitus

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To familiarise yourself with the various types of insulin therapy available

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To understand the safety measures required when administering insulin

The year 2021 marks 100 years since the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of insulin as a medical treatment for diabetes mellitus. Its discovery changed type 1 diabetes from a terminal condition with a short life expectancy to one of long-term management, with patients now often living long and fulfilling lives. Today, much of the advice, support and prescribing of insulin is undertaken by nurses, including general nurses and those specialising in diabetes. This article provides an overview of the principles of insulin use in the management of diabetes, with the aim of enhancing nursing knowledge and improving the care of patients with diabetes.