Insulin therapy has evolved from animal extracts to recombinant human insulin (introduced in the 1980s) to insulin analogues (developed in the 1990s). Today, the focus on a noninjectable insulin therapy has resulted in an inhalable insulin. The goal of using various insulin products, differentiated by onset of action, is to closely mimic physologic insulin production and obtain tight glycemic control.

At the same time, the various insulins now available can be confusing. Insulin is consistently in the top 10 of medications involved in medication errors. Similar-sounding names is one source of error; confusingly written orders, using the abbreviation "u" instead of writing out "units," and a lack of familiarity with the products are other sources.

Review the insulin monographs below to familiarize yourself with this commonly used high alert drug, and turn to the medication safety articles in Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses to help reduce the risk of error.

Posted April 13, 2006: