The use of intravenous insulin:

If a person in hospital is unwell with uncontrolled high blood glucose levels, insulin can be administered through an intravenous insulin infusion. It is only Rapid or Short Acting insulin that is administered by this route.

The hourly rate of insulin infused is adjusted depending on the measured venous blood glucose per hour. The aim is to keep blood glucose levels at a safe level.

If the patient is not able to eat and drink, it is essential that the insulin is administered together with intravenous glucose based fluid, as the insulin needs glucose to work as a substrate to push into cells to use for energy. In this situation, without glucose, there is a risk of hypoglycaemia.

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