INSULIN

Question 1

Different types of insulin

Answer 1

Rapid acting - NovoRapid (aspart), Humalog (lispro)
Intermediate acting - Humulin I (isophane)
Long acting - Lantus (glargine or detemir)

Biphasic - NovoMix

Administed S/C and in units

Question 2

ADRs of insulin

Answer 2

hypoglycaemia
lipohypertrophy at injection site
weight gain

Question 3

Patient communication RE insulin

Answer 3

• Risk of hypoglycaemia (dizziness, agitation, confusion)
• Take something sugary e.g. snack/chocolate > starchy e.g. sandwich
• switch injection sites regularly
• injection sites = stomach, thigh, buttock
• sick day rules = NEVER STOP taking insulin
• when unwell, may need to increase basal insulin

Question 4

Insulin monitoring

Answer 4

annual HbA1c - long term glycemic control

IVI insulin infusion - monitor K+ and give glucose when BM falls