Week 12 - Types of Insulin

Question 1

What is the primary function of insulin in the body?

Answer 1

Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by mediating the transport of glucose into target cells.

Question 2

Name the four main categories of insulin.

Answer 2

Short-acting, rapid-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.

Question 3

What is the onset time for regular insulin?

Answer 3

30 minutes.

Question 4

How long does regular insulin typically peak?

Answer 4

2-3 hours.

Question 5

What is the duration of action for regular insulin?

Answer 5

6-8 hours.

Question 6

List three examples of rapid-acting insulins.

Answer 6

Insulin aspart (Novorapid), insulin glulisine (Apidra), and insulin lispro (Humalog).

Question 7

What is the onset time for rapid-acting insulins?

Answer 7

9-20 minutes

Question 8

How long do rapid-acting insulins typically last?

Answer 8

3-5 hours.

Question 9

What is the peak time for insulin glulisine?

Answer 9

1-1.5 hours.

Question 10

What is the primary characteristic of intermediate-acting insulin?

Answer 10

It is the only “cloudy” insulin.

Question 11

What is the onset time for NPH insulin?

Answer 11

1-3 hours.

Question 12

How long does NPH insulin typically peak?

Answer 12

5-8 hours.

Question 13

What is the duration of action for NPH insulin?

Answer 13

Greater than 12 hours

Question 14

Name (2) long-acting insulins.

Answer 14

Insulin detemir (Levemir) or insulin glargine (Lantus).

Question 15

What is the onset time for long-acting insulins?

Answer 15

90 minutes.

Question 16

Do long-acting insulins have a peak?

Answer 16

No, they do not have a peak.

Question 17

What is the duration of action for insulin glargine?

Answer 17

24 hours.

Question 18

How should unopened insulin be stored?

Answer 18

In the fridge between 2ºC and 8ºC.

Question 19

How long can opened insulin be stored at room temperature?

Answer 19

Up to one month.

Question 20

What is the exception for the storage of insulin detemir?

Answer 20

It is safe at room temperature for 42 days.

Question 21

What are some common adverse effects of insulin?

Answer 21

Lipodystrophy, allergic reactions, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia.

Question 22

What can cause hypoglycemia in insulin users?

Answer 22

Omission or irregular mealtime, excessive exercise, and errors in dose measurement.

Question 23

What is the recommended administration time for regular insulin before meals?

Answer 23

30-45 minutes before the meal.

Question 24

Can intermediate insulin be mixed with rapid-acting insulin?

Answer 24

Yes, they can be mixed in the same syringe.

Question 25

What is the purpose of mixing insulin?

Answer 25

To reduce the number of injections per day and provide continuity in blood insulin levels.

Question 26

What is a premixed insulin?

Answer 26

A combination of rapid or short-acting insulin with intermediate insulin in fixed proportions.

Question 27

Give an example of a premixed insulin.

Answer 27

Humalog Mix 25 (25% rapid-acting, 75% intermediate-acting).

Question 28

What is the importance of planning meals when using NPH insulin?

Answer 28

Meals must coincide with the peak of the intermediate insulin.

Question 29

What should be done to avoid contamination when mixing insulins?

Answer 29

Always draw up the "clear" insulin before the "cloudy" insulin.

Question 30

What is lipodystrophy?

Answer 30

An abnormality in metabolism and deposition of fat, usually at the injection site

Question 31

What is the normal fasting serum glucose level for adults under 60 years?

Answer 31

3.9 to 5.9 mmol/L.

Question 32

At what blood glucose levels does spillage of glucose into urine typically occur?

Answer 32

9.0-11.0 mmol/L.

Question 33

What is the role of glucagon in the body?

Answer 33

Glucagon is a hyperglycemic agent that raises blood glucose levels.

Question 34

What stimulates the secretion of glucagon?

Answer 34

Falling glucose levels, sympathetic nervous system activity, and rising amino acid levels.

Question 35

What is the duration of action for insulin detemir?

Answer 35

16-24 hours.

Question 36

How often can long-acting insulins be administered?

Answer 36

Typically once daily, but some may be given twice daily.

Question 37

What is the significance of the "clear" and "cloudy" insulin distinction?

Answer 37

It helps prevent contamination and ensures the effectiveness of the rapid-acting insulin.

Question 38

What is the peak time for insulin lispro?

Answer 38

1-2 hours.

Question 39

What is the duration of action for insulin aspart?

Answer 39

3-5 hours.

Question 40

Why is premixed insulin generally not recommended for children?

Answer 40

It does not allow for flexibility in changing portions as the child grows.