Diabetics Flashcards
When giving subcutaneous insulin, which site will provide the best absorption?**
absorption is fastest in the abdomen, then deltoid, thigh, and buttocks
Why should diabetics rotate sites for insulin injections?**
• Rotating sites prevents lipohypertrophy (increased swelling of fat tissue in skin) and lipoatrophy (loss of fatty tissue; Rotation WITHIN on anatomic site is preferred
Signs and symptoms of Hypoglycemia **
headache, light headedness; nervousness, apprehension, tremors; excess perspiration, cold, clammy skin; tachycardia, slurred speech, confusion
signs of hypoglycemia appear***
appear when blood sugar level < 60 mg/dl
The equivalency of 10-15 grams of glucose (approximate servings) are:**
Four lifesavers; 4 teaspoons of sugar; 1/2 can of regular soda or juice
Once the acute episode of hypoglycemia has been treated**
a healthy, long-acting carbohydrate to maintain blood sugars in the appropriate range should be consumed. Half a sandwich is a reasonable option.
what if a pt is comatose and can’t take anything by mouth then what to do in hypoglycemia reaction **
Glucagon – causes a rapid release of glucose stores from the liver. It is an injection given intramuscularly to a patient who cannot take glucose by mouth. A response is usually seen in minutes and lasts for about 90 minutes.
• If glucagon is not available and the patient is not able to take anything by mouth, **
emergency services (for example 911) should be called immediately. An intravenous route of glucose (Dextrose 50%) should be administered immediately.
Rapid Acting Trade Name
Humalog (insulin lispro)
Rapid Acting Onset
15 - 30 min
Rapid Acting Peak **
0.5-2.5 hours
Rapid Acting Duration
3-6.5 hours
Short Acting Trade Name
Humalin R Regular
Short Acting Onset
30-60 min
Short Acting Peak **
1-5 hrs
