Table 3.

Patient checklist for initiating and titrating basal insulin.

Checklist item	✓
Patient understands the reasons for starting basal insulin and agrees to this
Demonstration of the syringe/pen, how to inject correctly – ideally the patient should demonstrate they can do this
Patient understands the need to rotate the site of injection
Patient understands the dose, frequency (once or twice daily), and need to inject at the same time each day, as far as possible
Patient aware of storage and transport requirements for their insulin, and best before date*
Patient has a blood glucose meter and is able to demonstrate they know how to use it correctly
Patient understands what is meant by hypoglycemia, what the signs of hypoglycemia are, and actions to take depending on the severity
Explanation provided regarding the need to initiate at a lower dose to avoid hypoglycemia and titrate upwards over time
Patient understands their fasting plasma glucose target and how to adjust the dose accordingly
Plan for titration agreed between primary care provider and patient, including what to do in the event of high readings
Other medications, including glucose-lowering medications, review and adjust as appropriate
Follow-up schedule agreed between primary care provider and patient

*Normally 4–6 weeks from the date of first use or 8 weeks for degludec.