Insulin Flashcards
On what basis is insulin prescribed?
By brand name
Give 2 examples of rapid-acting insulins
- Insulin lispro
- Insulin aspart
What is the onset of action of rapid-acting insulin?
Within 5 minutes
What is the duration of action of rapid-acting insulin?
2-5 hours
Give an example of a short-acting insulin
Soluble insulin (idk what this means)
What is the onset of action of short-acting insulin?
30-60 minutes
What is the duration of action of short-acting insulin?
Up to 9 hours
Give an example of an intermediate acting insulin
Isophane insulin
What is the onset of action of intermediate acting insulin?
1-2 hours
What is the duration of action of intermediate acting insulin?
11-24 hours
Give 2 examples of long-acting insulin
- Insulin glargine
- Insulin determir
What is the onset of action of long-acting insulin?
Within 1 hour
What is the duration of action of long-acting insulin?
Consistent activity for 24 hours+
What is the mode of action of insulin?
Exogenous insulin mimics the action of endogenous insulin
What is endogenous insulin?
A naturally occurring hormone
What does endogenous insulin do?
It binds to the alpha subunit on the insulin receptor. This activates tyrosine kinase on the beta subunit. This results in the recruitment of glucose cell transporters to muscle and fat tissues, which increases glucose uptake by target tissues, increases glycogen synthesis in the liver, inhibits glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver
What are the routes of delivery of insulin?
- SC
- IV
When is insulin given IV?
Only in diabetic emergencies
Why can insulin not be given orally?
Insulin is inactivated by GI enzymes
What are the indications for insulin?
- T1DM
- T2DM
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycaemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma (HONK)
- Hyperkalaemia
When is insulin used in T2DM?
Used when diet and other anti-diabetic agents have failed
How is insulin normally prescribed in ketoacidosis and HONK?
Sliding scale regimen, or as per protocol
What are the cautions/contraindications for insulin?
- Hypoglycaemia
- Allergy to porcine or bovine insulins, or personal objections
What is an alternative for people who are allergic to porcine/bovine insulins?
Human and analogue insulins