Why is it important to monitor blood glucose levels before administering insulin?

Monitoring blood glucose levels before administering insulin is crucial because it allows for confirmation of the client’s current insulin requirement. Insulin dosage is typically determined based on the individual's blood glucose level at the time of administration. If glucose levels are too high, the client may require additional insulin to bring those levels down to a safe range. Conversely, if the glucose levels are already low, administering insulin could lead to dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can cause severe health issues.

Understanding the specific glucose reading helps in tailoring the insulin dose accurately, ensuring effective management of diabetes and promoting the patient’s safety. This proactive measure is essential in the context of individualized diabetes care, where both excess and insufficient insulin can lead to adverse outcomes.