In wake of a December, 2017 study by researchers at the University of Missouri-Kansas City on variations in insulin dose concentrations, clinicians continue to debate best practices in clinical management of diabetes. 

Upon testing 18 vials of insulin from two different manufacturers purchased from five pharmacies, the study found widely varying insulin concentrations: from 13.9 U/ml to 94.2 U/ml. Concern over the variability prompted coverage of the topic by media outlets aimed at physicians and providers. 

Diane Elson, MD, clinical professor, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, provided her perspective in one such article appearing in MedPage Today.

Emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach when treating people with diabetes whose glucose levels are out of the expected range, she described a series of questions she asks patients about insulin use, storage, and injection methods. 

"Our goal is to provide guidance and support, to recognize when insulin doses should be changed, and to ensure that our patients are being appropriately evaluated for diabetes associated complications," said Dr. Elson.

Resources:

• "Debate Continues on the Variability of Insulin Concentration," MedPage Today, April 11, 2018