Review of insulin therapy and pen use in hospitalized patients.

Objective: Hyperglycemia is common among hospitalized patients, affecting approximately 40% of patients at the time of hospital admission, despite the fact that 1 in every 8 patients has no previous diagnosis of diabetes. Hyperglycemia has been associated with poor patient outcomes, including higher rates of morbidity and mortality across a range of conditions. This review discusses options for the effective management of hyperglycemia with a focus on the use of disposable insulin pens in the hospital.Methods: Literature, including guidelines for hospital management of hyperglycemia, and information regarding methods of insulin administration were reviewed.Results: Appropriate glucose control via administration of insulin within hospitals has been acknowledged as an important goal and is consistent with achieving patient safety. Insulin may be administered subcutaneously using a pen or vial and syringe or infused intravenously. Levels of patient and provider satisfaction are higher with pen administration...