How efficient is sliding-scale insulin therapy?

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Giving hospitalized diabetic patients a set amount of insulin determined by their blood glucose level sounds like appropriate treatment. However, errors and inconsistencies can result with this method. As Dr Katz points out, several alternative insulin regimens are more scientifically sound and probably take no longer to implement. He describes the problems involved with the sliding-scale approach, cases in which it may be useful, and specific details to watch to improve its effectiveness.