1 Insulin Therapy Free Online FlashCards

What roles do rapid-acting and long-acting insulin usually serve?

Rapid-acting insulin usually covers meal-related glucose rises; long-acting insulin provides background coverage between meals and overnight.

Which insulin is typically cloudy and has a noticeable peak?

NPH is an intermediate-acting suspension that is typically cloudy and has a noticeable peak. Regular insulin is usually clear and short-acting.

Why can closely spaced correction doses cause hypoglycemia?

Earlier rapid-acting insulin may still be active, so the effects can overlap and lower glucose more than expected.

What should someone do about a firm lump at a repeated injection site?

Avoid injecting into the lump and rotate among appropriate sites according to care-team instructions. Repeated injections in one spot can cause lipohypertrophy and make absorption less predictable.

Where is insulin generally injected?

Insulin is generally injected into the fatty tissue under the skin, not into muscle.

What is an important rule for insulin pens and needles?

Do not share insulin pens or needles.

In a prescribed regular-plus-NPH mixture, which insulin is drawn up first?

For a specifically prescribed regular-plus-NPH mixture, draw up clear regular insulin before cloudy NPH. Mixing rules are product-specific; insulin glargine should not be mixed with other insulins.

When might glucose monitoring be especially important for someone using insulin?

Follow the prescribed plan; examples include around meals and bedtime, during or after activity, when symptoms or a CGM alert suggest abnormal glucose, and after treating a low until glucose recovers.

What important adverse effect can cause sweating, shakiness, hunger, and confusion?

Hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, should be considered first.

What glucose threshold is identified as a clinically important low?

A glucose level below $<70\ \mathrm{mg/dL}$ is clinically important.

What should a bystander do if severe hypoglycemia leaves someone unable to swallow safely?

Do not give food or drink by mouth. A trained bystander should give prescribed glucagon if available and call emergency services.

Why should insulin timing not be assumed to be identical for everyone?

Onset, peak, and duration differ among insulins; exact timing varies by product and person.