Response to Letter to the Editor: A Practical Guide to Concentrated Insulin for Pharmacists

摘要

The letter to the editor presents some valuable additional information on the use of U-500 insulin. As described in our review, directions regarding the use of U-500 insulin should include units and volume, regardless of the syringe being used.1 As the letter indicates, regular U-100 syringes can be used safely in patients administering U-500 insulin, with adequate education by a certified diabetes educator, pharmacist, or other specialized health care professional. As stated in the letter and our review, the patient must be able to describe the insulin dose in units and in volume for the syringe of use. While U-100 insulin syringes can be used safely for the administration of U-500 insulin, there still may be some confusion among patients. Tuberculin or volumetric syringes can still be used as an option for the administration of U-500 insulin, especially in situations where insurance payment is not a problem, such as managed care systems and the federal government.