Insulin Flashcards
Insulin Production
Produced by the pancreas
* aids in blood glucose control
Diabetes
Type 1
Condition where pancreatic beta cells do not produce enough insulin
* blood glucose levels too high
Diabetes
Type 2
Condition where the body is resistant to insulin’s effects
* blood glucose levels too high
Short-Acting Insulin
Also known as regular insulin
* rapid effect - immediate control of blood glucose
* used with diabetic ketoacidosis
* ex: Humulin-R
Intermediate / Long-Acting Insulin
Most often used in dogs for maintenance control
* ex: Humulin-N
“Peakless” Insulin
Used and recommended for cats
* ex: glargine (Lantus)
Nadir
Lowest point that blood glucose reaches after insulin is given
* helps determine if proper dose is being given
Glucose Curve
Test
Assess glycemic control
* check BG in morning before food and insulin
* feed and give insulin
* check BG every 1-2 hrs for 12 hrs
Fructosamine
Test
Average blood glucose over a period of 2 weeks
* measures protein-bound glucose
* better indication of long-term glycemic control
* great for fractious or nervous pets
Catecholamines
Released during stress
* falsely elevates blood glucose levels
* can makes glucose curves hard to interpret if pet is stressed or excited
Insulin Handling
Never shaken
* exception is Vetsulin - shaken to mix
* refrigerate and roll between fingers
Insulin Syringes
Syringes should always match insulin concentration
* U-100 syringes used with U-100 insulin
Insulin Administration
Typically given SQ
* can be given IV infusion or IM if dehydrated or critical
Hypoglycemia
Can occur if insulin dose is too high / overdose
* blood glucose levels drop dangerously low
* give Karo syrup and go to ER
Hypoglycemia
C/S
- Vomiting
- Ataxia / Weakness
- Tremoring / Seizures
- Dazed Mentation
- Death
