Diabetes Management

Question 1

Describe various types of insulin

Answer 1

Rapid-acting insulin
novorapid, apidra, humalog 
-onset 10-15min
-peak 1-1.5h
-duration - 3-5h

Short-acting insulin
humulin R
Novolin toronto 
-onset 30min
-peak 2-3h
-duration 6.5h

Intermediate-acting insulin (cloudy)
humulin-n
novolin NPH 
-onset 1-3h
-peak 5-8h
-duration up to 18h

Long-acting
levemir
lantus
-onset 90min
-duration up to 24h

Question 2

Identify various devices that diabetics use to administer insulin

Answer 2

Syringes - available 30 units, 50 units and 100 units

Pen - 75% use this

Insulin delivery pumps

Question 3

Identify blood values that relate to glucometer testing and insulin administration

Answer 3

A1C 8.5% start metformin

-patient with symptomatic hyperglycemia and metabolic decompensation should receive insulin

Question 4

Describe the implications of diet and exercise on insulin dosing

Answer 4

• hypoglycemia for excessive exercise
• hyperglycemia for diet

-so depending on their diet and exercise insulin dosing must be critically assessed