Guidelines on insulin use for type 1 diabetes in adults, including in emergency and humanitarian settings

This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on insulin use for adults with type 1 diabetes across diverse health system contexts, including low-resource, emergency and humanitarian settings. It aims to promote safe, effective and feasible insulin use, equity and continuity of care, while supporting the global diabetes coverage target of universal access to affordable insulin treatment and blood glucose self-monitoring by 2030.

The guideline updates and expands previous WHO guidance, addressing diagnosis and classification, insulin regimens and delivery methods, clinical monitoring of glycaemic control and self-monitoring of glycaemia. It strongly recommends intensified insulin therapy using multiple daily injections with dose adjustment according to blood glucose values, while recognizing the need for context adapted approaches in emergency and humanitarian settings. Both human insulin and insulin analogues may be used, with human insulin preferred because of its generally lower cost. Intended primarily for health-care providers, the guideline also supports policy-makers, programme managers and humanitarian organizations in strengthening equitable, person-centred diabetes care.