Insulin Flashcards
Rapid Acting (clear)
Humalog (Lispro) Onset: 10 - 15 minutes Peak: 1 hour Duration: 3 hours Used for: Rapid reduction of blood sugar
Short Acting (clear)
Regular ("R") Onset: 30 minutes - 1 hour Peak: 2 - 3 hours Duration: 4 - 6 hours Give 20 - 30 minutes ac
Intermediate Acting (cloudy)
NPH / "Humulin N" / "Lente Humulin L" Onset: 3 - 4 hours Peak: 4 - 12 hours Duration: 16 - 20 hours Give PC
Long Acting (cloudy)
Ultralente "UL" Onset: 6 - 8 hours Peak: 12 - 16 hours Duration: 20 - 30 hours Controls FPG
Long Acting (clear)
Glargine (Lantus) Onset: 1 hour Peak: No peak Duration: 24 hours Do NOT mix with other insulins
70 / 30
70/30 Insulin: 70% NPH (cloudy) / 30% Regular (clear)
What / When
Rapid (Homolog or Lispro) and Short Acting (Regular) cover means immediately AFTER the injection
Intermediate
Intermediate acting (NPH, cloudy) is expected to cover subsequent meals
Long Acting
Provides a relatively constant level of insulin and act as a Basal Insulin
Route
Only Regular Insulin is given IV
And… Rotate sites
Mixing
When mixing Insulins withdraw Regular and then the NPH. Remember Rule: “clear to cloudy!”
Metformin
Metformin is for people with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used in combination with insulin or other medications, but it is NOT for treating type 1 diabetes.
Metformin - Things to Avoid
Avoid drinking alcohol. It lowers blood sugar and may increase your risk of lactic acidosis while taking metformin.
Metformin - Side Effects
This medication may cause lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the body, which can be fatal). Lactic acidosis can start slowly and get worse over time. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as:
- muscle pain or weakness
- numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs
- trouble breathing
- feeling dizzy, light-headed, tired, or very weak
- stomach pain, nausea with vomiting
- slow or uneven heart rate.