Insulin Flashcards
1
Q
What are the generic and brand names of insulin?
A
- Short acting insulin (Actrapid)
- Rapid acting insulin (Novorapid)
- Intermediate acting (Humulin)
- Long acting insulin (Lantus/Levemir)
- Biphasic insulin (Novomix 30)
2
Q
What is the method of action of insulin?
A
- Works like endogenous insulin
- Stimulates glucose uptake from the circulation → tissues
- ↑ use of glucose as an energy source
- ↑ glycogen, lipid and protein synthesis
- ↓ gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis
- Drives K+ into cells
3
Q
What are the indications for insulin?
A
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes – when oral treatment is insufficient
- Diabetic emergencies (IV) e.g. DKA, hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar syndrome
- Alongside glucose to treat hyperkalaemia
4
Q
What are the contraindications for insulin?
A
• Renal impairment
5
Q
What are the side effects of insulin?
A
- Hypoglyceamia = coma/death in severe cases
* Fat overgrowth at injection site
6
Q
What drugs does insulin interact with?
A
- Other hypoglycaemic agents = ↑ risk of hypoglycaemia
* Systemic corticosteroids - ↑ dose of insulin
7
Q
What organs eliminate insulin?
A
Kidney and liver
8
Q
What information should be given to patients taking insulin?
A
- Advise on lifestyle changes – calorie controlled diet, regular exercise
- Tell them about signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and if this develops to have something sugary then something starchy
