What should pharmacists emphasize about insulin use during counseling?

Emphasizing proper storage and administration techniques during counseling about insulin use is crucial because effective management of diabetes relies heavily on the correct handling of insulin. Proper storage is essential to ensure that insulin maintains its efficacy; incorrect storage, such as exposing it to extreme temperatures, can degrade the insulin and render it ineffective.

Additionally, administering insulin correctly is vital for achieving optimal glycemic control. Patients must understand how to inject insulin correctly, including the technique, the injection sites, the timing of administration in relation to meals, and how to rotate injection sites to avoid lipodystrophy. This knowledge empowers patients to manage their diabetes more effectively and helps prevent complications associated with poor insulin use.

While understanding the cost of insulin is important for looking at the economic aspects of diabetes care, it does not directly impact how insulin should be used or affects patient outcomes. Dosage forms are also significant, but the knowledge of how to store and administer the medication effectively is far more vital for the day-to-day management of diabetes. The history of insulin use, while interesting, does not contribute to the practical knowledge that patients need for their daily care regimen.