All About Meds

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Insulin Types Overview

 Rapid-acting Insulin

Example: Lispro (Humalog), Aspart (Novolog), Glulisine (Apidra)

Onset:  15-30 mins

Peak: 1-2 hrs  
Duration: 3–4 hrs

Action: Rapid. Mimics natural insulin release after meals

Common side effects: hypoglycemia, injection site reactions

Route: Subcutaneous (SC) injection 5-15 minutes ac

Nursing assessment & pt teaching: 

- Monitor blood glucose ac
- Ensure food is ready before administration
- Educate on signs of hypoglycemia such as hunger, shakiness, pale skin, headache, sweating, irritability, anxiety.

Short-acting Insulin

Example: Regular (Humulin R, Novolin R, ReliOn R)

Onset: 30–60 mins  
Peak: 2–4 hrs  
Duration: 4–8 hrs

Action: Short. Used for meals eaten within 30–60 minutes

Common side effects: Hypoglycemia, lipodystrophy

Route: SC injection, IV (in emergencies like DKA)

Nursing assessment & pt teaching:

- Monitor blood glucose
- Timing with meals is crucial
- Teach proper storage (refrigerate unused vials)

Intermediate-acting Insulin

Example: NPH (Humulin N, Novolin N)

Onset: 2–4 hrs  
Peak: 6–10 hrs  
Duration: 12–16 hrs

Action: Intermediate acting. Covers insulin needs between meals and overnight

Common side effects: Hypoglycemia (especially at peak), weight gain

Route: SC injection (usually BID)

Nursing assessment & pt teaching:

- Roll vial to mix (cloudy appearance)
- Monitor for nighttime hypoglycemia
- Provide consistent meal schedule

Long-acting Insulin

Example: Glargine (Lantus), Detemir (Levemir), Degludec (Tresiba)

Onset: 1–2 hrs  
Peak: Minimal/none  
Duration: 24+ hrs

Action: Long lasting. Provides steady insulin level (basal insulin)

Common side effects: Hypoglycemia (less common), local irritation

Route: SC injection (usually once daily)

Nursing assessment & pt teaching: 

- Do not mix with other insulins
- Inject at the same time daily
- Monitor fasting glucose levels

Premixed Insulin

Example: 70/30 (NPH/Regular), 75/25 (NPL/Lispro)

Onset/Peak/Duration: Varies based on components

Action: Combines intermediate and short/rapid-acting insulin

Common side effects: Hypoglycemia, lipodystrophy

Route: SC injection (before meals, usually BID)

Nursing assessment & pt teaching: 

- Ensure consistent eating schedule
- Educate on proper mixing if needed
- Monitor glucose before and after meals  

General Nursing Teaching for All Insulins:

• Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
• Recognize signs of hypoglycemia: shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability.
• Educate on proper storage of insulin (refrigerate unused vials; opened vials can be kept at room temp for ~28 days).
• Check expiration dates and appearance (clear vs. cloudy).
• Teach patients how to use glucometers and record readings.
• Encourage adherence to dietary guidelines and activity levels.

We offer a variety of nursing programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of students at all levels of education and experience.

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We are committed to helping our students succeed in their careers. Our career services team provides students with a range of services, including resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and job placement support. We also offer networking opportunities and career fairs to help students connect with potential employers.