Write a commentTo mark Diabetes Week the Southern Health and Social Care Trust is raising awareness of the importance of insulin safety amongst staff, patients and carers.
All this week, the Southern Trust’s Diabetes and Pharmacy teams will be promoting insulin safety and sharing good practice amongst staff across its community and hospital services.
In the Southern area there are around 16,000 patients with diabetes including children and adults.
Launching the week long campaign, Dr Maria O’Kane, Southern Trust Medical Director said “Diabetes is one of the most challenging chronic conditions facing our population. People with diabetes are at risk of significant health problems like renal disease, sight problems or cardiovascular disease.
“Nonetheless thanks to the development of insulin, people with diabetes can manage their condition and lead a relatively normal lifestyle. However, as insulin is such a powerful drug, it does have to be very closely controlled to prevent potentially harmful side effects for patients.
“Whilst not always directly related to their condition, currently one in six people admitted to hospital has diabetes, so our staff really do need to be insulin aware. Maintaining good glucose control during any hospital admission is so important for people with diabetes, helping to promote recovery, reduce the risk of potential complications and preventing the need for a longer stay than expected.
“We are delighted to use this opportunity to promote insulin safety so encourage all of our staff to find out more or speak to their pharmacy and diabetes colleagues about how they can improve their practice.
“We also remind patients with diabetes and indeed their family members or carers of the importance of understanding how to use their insulin, to safely manage their diabetes at home, to ensure that they can lead a good quality of life and prevent a potential hospital admission.”
Diabetes Week is organised each year by Diabetes UK – for more information go to www.diabetes.org.uk
