Renal (Insulin)

Question 1

Examples of drug (Insulin)

Answer 1

• Novorapid
• Glargine
• Humalog Mix

Question 2

Mechanism of action (Insulin)

Answer 2

• Insulin increases cellular uptake of glucose
• It stimulates glycogenesis, encourages DNA synthesis and promotes release of growth hormone
• Several types of exogenous insulin:
• Short acting: Novorapid
• Long acting: Glargine
• Fast-acting and Intermediate-acting mix: Humalog Mix

Question 3

Indications (Insulin)

Answer 3

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
• Hyperkalaemia (in conjunction with dextrose)

Question 4

Side effects (Insulin)

Answer 4

• Hypoglycaemia
• Sweats / shakes / tachycardia / headache / weakness / fatigue (typically symptoms of hypoglycaemia)
• Oedema
• Injection site reactions

Question 5

Important pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (Insulin)

Answer 5

• Patients are given varying types of insulin combinations based on their activities and preferences
• Given subcutaneously and short acting insulin (actrapid) can be given intravenously.

Question 6

Patient information (Insulin)

Answer 6

• Only in the form of injection
• Compliance important
• Never skip meals while on insulin

Question 7

Other information (Insulin)

Answer 7

• Four types of insulin based on onset of action, peak time and the duration of action.
• Rapid acting insulin (Novorapid) (reaches circulation within 15 minutes after injection, peaks 30 to 90 minutes later, lasts for up to 5 hours)
• Short acting (reaches circulation 30 mins after injection, peaks 2 – 4 hours later, lasts for up to 4 to 8 hours)
• Intermediate acting (reaches circulation in 2 – 6 hours, peaks 4 – 14 hours later, lasts for up to 20 hours)
• Long acting (Glargine) (reaches circulation in 6 to 14 hours, minimal peak, lasts for up to 24 hours)