Insulin therapeutics - Type and Administration

Question 1

What are the aims of insulin therapy?

Answer 1

• Treat hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose) without causing hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose)
• Reduce the risk of long term complications
• Ensure patient to maintain a normal lifestyle whilst ensuring good diabetic control

Question 2

What are the 5 main types of insulin?

Answer 2

1. Rapid-acting analogue
2. Short-acting
3. Medium and Long-acting
4. Analogue mixture
5. Mixtures

Question 3

When is rapid-acting analogue insulin injected and how long do they last?

Answer 3

• Injected 5-15mins eating, when eating or immediately after eating.
• They last between 2-5 hours in the body.
• Often taken in combination with longer acting insulin

Question 4

When is short-acting insulin injected and how long do they last?

Answer 4

• Injected 15-30mins before a meal.
• Can work for up to 8 hours
• Often taken in combination with longer acting insulin

Question 5

When is medium and longer-acting insulin injected and how long do they last?

Answer 5

• Injected at night
• Works for several hours (up to 24 hours) to keep blood glucose under control between meals.
• Used in combination with short-acting insulin

Question 6

When is analogue mixture insulin injected and how long do they last?

Answer 6

• Injected 5015mins before eating, when eating or immediately after eating
• They last 14-16 hours

Question 7

When is mixtures insulin injected and how long do they last?

Answer 7

• Injected 20-30 mins before food
• Last for approximately 12 hours

Question 8

How is insulin administrated?

Answer 8

• Subcutaneous injection (IV for emergencies)
• Needles
• Vial + Syringe
• Re-usable or disposable pen devices
• Insulin pump