The problem
It is estimated that over 30 million people in the United States, or roughly 10% of Americans, have diabetes. About 30% of people who have been diagnosed with diabetes are managed with some form of insulin. Additionally, many critically ill hospitalized patients who have not been diagnosed with diabetes will require insulin while in the hospital. It is therefore no surprise that insulin is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the hospital setting. At Stony Brook University Hospital, insulin is in the top 20 drugs by spend.