What is a common concern for clients transitioning to insulin from oral medications?

Transitioning to insulin from oral medications introduces several important considerations for clients, and continuous monitoring is a significant concern. Insulin therapy requires individuals to monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently than when using oral medications. This is because insulin acts more rapidly and requires more precise dosing to avoid both hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The necessity for frequent monitoring helps ensure that the insulin doses are appropriately adjusted based on the client’s food intake, activity levels, and blood glucose readings.

While some may believe that insulin is easier to inject or that the doses are generally less than those of oral pills, these points do not capture the primary concern associated with this transition. The effectiveness of insulin is well established, and it often becomes necessary for individuals who have not achieved adequate glycemic control with oral medications alone. The need for ongoing blood glucose monitoring ensures that clients can effectively manage their insulin therapy and maintain optimal glycemic control.