Insulin is a drug that is used to control glucose in patients with diabetes mellitus. It is the only parenteral antidiabetic agent available for exogenous replacement of low levels of
insulin. Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreatic beta cells of the islets of Langerhans. It is released into circulation when the levels of glucose around the cells arise. Insulin circulates through the body and reacts with specific insulin receptor sites to stimulate the transport of
glucose into cells to be used for energy (facilitated diffusion). Originally prepared from pork and beef pancreas, virtually all insulin is prepared by recombinant DNA technology now. This is a purer form of insulin and is not associated with sensitivity problems that many patients developed with the animal
products. - Disease Spotlight: Diabetes Mellitus
- Therapeutic Action
- Indications
- Pharmacokinetics
- Contraindications and Cautions
- Adverse Effects
- Interactions
- Nursing Considerations
- Nursing Assessment
- Nursing Diagnoses and Care Planning
- Nursing Implementation with Rationale
- Evaluation
- Practice Quiz: Insulin
- Recommended Resources
- See Also
- References and Sources
Disease Spotlight: Diabetes Mellitus- Diabetes Mellitus(literally, “honey urine”) is a condition wherein there is a complex disturbance in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This alteration results in thickening of the layer below the endothelial lining of the
blood vessels. This, in turn, causes narrowing, vessel remodeling, and decreased blood flow through vessels.
- Most frequent clinical signs include hyperglycemia (fasting blood sugar of >106 mg/dL) and the presence of sugar in the urine (glycosuria).
- Diabetes is classified into two: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is common in younger people and is connected with cases of viral destruction of beta cells of the pancreas. On the other hand, type 2 is adult-onset and is associated with not enough insulin to maintain glucose control.
- Hyperglycemia
(high blood sugar) results when there is an increase in glucose in the blood. Clinical signs and symptoms include fatigue, lethargy, irritation, glycosuria, polyphagia, polydipsia, and itchy skin (from the accumulation of wastes that liver cannot clear).
- Hypoglycemia is a blood glucose concentration lower than 40 mg/dL and can occur in many clinical situations like starvation and
overtreatment of hyperglycemia. Manifestations include headache, paresthesias, hunger, and diaphoresis.
Therapeutic Action The desired and beneficial action of insulin is: - Insulin replaces endogenous insulin. It is the only parenteral antidiabetic agent available for exogenous replacement of low levels of insulin. It reacts with the receptors of the cells
to facilitate transport of various metabolites and ions across cell membranes and stimulates the synthesis of glycogen from glucose, of fats from lipids, and of proteins from amino acids.
Indications Insulin is indicated for the following medical conditions: - Treatment of type 1 diabetes
- Treatment of type 2 diabetes when other agents have failed
- Short-term treatment of
type 2 diabetes during periods of stress
- Management of diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperkalemia, and marked insulin resistance
PharmacokineticsHere are the
characteristic interactions of insulin and the body in terms of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion:
Route
| Onset
| Peak
| Duration
| Regular
| 30-60 min
| 2-4 h
| 6-12 h
| NPH (Humulin N)
| 1-1.5 h
| 4-12 h
| 24 h
| Ultralente (Humulin Ultralente)
| 4-8 h
| 10-30 h
| 20-36 h
| Lispro (Humalog)
| <15 min
| 30-90 min
| 2-5 h
| Aspart (Novolog)
| 10-20 min
| 1-3 h
| 3-5 h
| Glargine (Lantus)
| 60-70 min
| None
| 24 h
| Glulisine (Apidra)
| 2-5 min
| 30-90 min
| 2 h
| Detemir (Levemir)
| 1-2 h
| 3-6 h
| 5.7-23.3 h
| T1/2: varies with each preparation Metabolism: cellular level Excretion: –
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Contraindications and CautionsThe following are contraindications and cautions for the use of insulin: - No contraindications as it is a replacement hormone. However, close monitoring is needed among pregnant and lactating women to adjust the dose accordingly. It is the drug of choice for management of
diabetes during pregnancy.
- Insulin does enter breast milk but it is destroyed in the GI tract and does not affect the nursing infant.
- Insulin-dependent mothers may have inhibited milk production because of insulin’s effects on fat and protein metabolism.
Adverse Effects
Use of insulin may result in these adverse effects: - hypoglycemia and ketoacidosis
- local reactions at the injection site (lipodystrophy).
InteractionsThe following are drug-drug interactions involved in the use of insulin: - MAOIs, beta blockers, salicylates, alcohol.
Increased glucose reduction
- Beta blockers. Blocking the SNS also blocks many of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, hindering the patient’s ability to recognize problems.
- Various herbal therapies (juniper berries, ginseng, garlic, fenugreek, coriander, dandelion root, celery). Increased risk of developing hypoglycemia.
Nursing
ConsiderationsHere are important nursing considerations when administering insulin: Nursing AssessmentThese are the important things the nurse should include in conducting
assessment, history taking, and examination: - Assess for contraindications or cautions (e.g. history of allergy, pregnancy, etc.) so that appropriate monitoring and dose adjustments can be completed.
- Perform a physical assessment to
establish a baseline before beginning therapy.
- Assess skin lesions; orientation and reflexes; blood pressure, pulse, respiration and adventitious breath sounds which could indicate a response to high or low glucose levels and potential risk factors in giving insulin.
- Inspect skin areas that will be used for injection; note any areas that are bruised,
thickened, or scarred, which could interfere with insulin absorption and alter anticipated response to insulin therapy.
- Obtain blood glucose levels as ordered to monitor response to insulin.
- Assess activity level, including amount and degree of exercise which can alter serum glucose levels and need for these drugs.
- Monitor the results of laboratory tests, including urinalysis, for evidence of glucosuria.
Nursing Diagnoses and Care PlanningHere are some of the nursing diagnoses that can be formulated in the use of this drug for therapy: - Risk for unstable blood glucose related to ineffective dosing of
antidiabetic agents
- Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to the use of insulin and underlying disease process
- Risk for infection related to glucose levels
Nursing Implementation with RationaleThese are vital nursing interventions done in patients who are taking insulin: - Ensure that patient has dietary and exercise regimen and using good hygiene practices to improve the effectiveness of the insulin and decrease adverse effects of the disease.
- Monitor nutritional status to provide
nutritional consultation as needed.
- Gently rotate the vial containing the agent and avoid vigorous shaking to ensure uniform suspension of insulin.
- Rotate injection sites to avoid damage to muscles and to prevent subcutaneous atrophy.
- Monitor response carefully to avoid adverse effects.
- Always verify the name of the insulin being given because each insulin has a different peak and duration, and the names can be confused.
- Use caution when mixing types of insulin; administer mixtures of regular and NPH insulins within 15 minutes after combining them to ensure appropriate suspension and therapeutic effect.
- Store insulin in a cool place away from direct sunlight to ensure effectiveness. Predrawn syringes are stable for 1 week if refrigerated.
- Monitor patient’s food intake and exercise and activities to ensure therapeutic effect and avoid hypoglycemia.
- Monitor patient’s sensory losses to incorporate his or her needs into safety issues, as well as potential problems in drawing up and administering insulin.
- Provide good skin care and foot care, to prevent the development of serious infections and changes in therapeutic insulin doses.
- Provide comfort measures to help patient cope with drug effects.
- Provide patient education about drug effects and warning signs to report to enhance
patient knowledge and to promote compliance.
EvaluationHere are aspects of care that should be evaluated to determine the effectiveness of drug therapy: - Monitor patient response to therapy (stabilization of blood glucose levels).
- Monitor for adverse effects (hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, injection-site irritation).
- Evaluate patient understanding on
drug therapy by asking the patient to name the drug, its indication, and adverse effects to watch for.
- Monitor patient compliance to drug therapy.
Practice Quiz: InsulinHere are some practice questions for this study guide. Please visit our nursing test bank page
for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. Which of the following statements are true about insulin? A. It can be taken orally or injected subcutaneously to control high glucose level in the blood B. It is an endogenous replacement for low insulin levels in patients with diabetes mellitus C. It acts on various insulin receptor sites to
facilitate entry of glucose into the cells D. It should be avoided in pregnant patients with diabetes 1. Answer: C. Acts on various insulin receptor sites to facilitate entry of glucose into the cells It is the insulin’ mechanism of action to control hyperglycemia. It is in parenteral form only and is an exogenous replacement for low insulin levels. Lastly, insulin is the treatment of choice in pregnant patients with diabetes. 2. Andrea, a
15-year-old patient, was newly diagnosed with diabetes type 1. She is on regular insulin. If she’s prescribed to have a daily shot of insulin every 8:30 am, when would be the appropriate time that she should have her meals? A. 9:00 AM B. 11:00 AM C. 12:00 NN D. 1:00 PM 2. Answer: A. 9:00 AM. The onset of regular insulin is 30-60 minutes. Andrea should be able to eat by that time to avoid hypoglycemia. 3. Which of the
following herbal therapies may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in patients prescribed with insulin? A. Aloe vera B. Ginseng C. Papaya D. All of the above 3. Answer: B. Ginseng Others include juniper berries, garlic, fenugreek, coriander, dandelion root, celery. 4. All of the following nursing interventions are needed for patients taking insulin, except: A. Administering refrigerated pre-drawn syringes as old
as 1 week. B. Administering mixtures of insulins within 15 minutes after combining them. C. Rotating injection sites. D. Shaking the vial to ensure uniform suspension. 4. Answer: D. Shaking the vial to ensure uniform suspension Gently rotating the vial instead of shaking it will ensure uniform suspension. Options A and B are correct. Rotation of injection sites will prevent lipodystrophy. 5. A diabetic patient receiving insulin is in need of
an antihypertensive. Which of the following would be the least recommended in the following choices? A. Propranolol B. Enalapril C. Hydrochlorothiazide D. Nifedipine 5. Answer: A.
Propranolol Propranolol is a beta-blocker and it can also block the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Careful assessment is needed if this is to be given as well as other methods to identify hypoglycemia. Recommended ResourcesRecommended resources and reference books. Disclosure:
Includes Amazon affiliate links. - Focus on Nursing Pharmacology – Easy to follow guide for Pharmacology
- NCLEX-RN Drug Guide: 300 Medications You Need to Know for the Exam – Great if you’re reviewing for the NCLEX
- Nursing 2017 Drug Handbook (Nursing Drug Handbook) – Reliable nursing drug handbook!
- Lehne’s Pharmacology for Nursing Care – Provides key information on commonly used drugs in nursing
- Pharmacology and the
Nursing Process – Learn how to administer drugs correctly and safely!
- Pharm Phlash Cards!: Pharmacology Flash Cards – Flash Cards for Nursing Pharmacology
See AlsoHere are other nursing pharmacology study guides: - Nursing Pharmacology – Study Guide for Nurses
Gastrointestinal System Drugs - Antacids
- Histamine-2 Antagonists
- Proton Pump
Inhibitors
Respiratory System Drugs - Antihistamines
- Bronchodilators and Antiasthmatics
- Decongestants
- Expectorants and
Mucolytics
- Inhaled Steroids
- Lung Surfactants
Endocrine System Drugs - Adrenocortical Agents
- Antidiabetic Agents
- Glucose-Elevating Agents
- Hypothalamic Agents
- Insulin
- Parathyroid Agents: Bisphosphonates, Calcitonins
- Pituitary Drugs
- Sulfonylureas
- Thyroid Agents
Autonomic Nervous System Drugs - Adrenergic Agonists (Sympathomimetics)
- Adrenergic Antagonists (Sympatholytics)
- Anticholinergics (Parasympatholytics)
- Cholinergic Agonists (Parasympathomimetics)
Immune System Drugs - Antiarthritic Drugs
- Immunostimulants
- Immunosuppressants
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Salicylates
Chemotherapeutic Agents - Anthelmintics
- Anti-Infective Drugs
- Antibiotics
- Antifungals
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Antiprotozoal Drugs
- Antiviral Drugs
Reproductive System Drugs - Male Reproductive System Drugs
- Female Reproductive System Drugs
Nervous System Drugs - Antidepressants
- Antiparkinsonism Drugs
- Antiseizure Drugs
- Anxiolytics and Hypnotic Drugs
- General and Local Anesthetics
- Muscle Relaxants
- Narcotics, Narcotic Agonists, and Antimigraine Agents
- Neuromuscular Junction Blocking Agents
- Psychotherapeutic Drugs
Cardiovascular System Drugs - Antianginal Drugs
- Antiarrhythmic
Drugs
- Antihyperlipidemic Drugs
- Antihypertensive Drugs
- Cardiotonic-Inotropic Drugs
- Diuretics
- Drugs Affecting Coagulation
References and SourcesReferences and sources for this pharmacology guide for Insulin: - Karch, A. M., & Karch. (2011). Focus on
nursing pharmacology. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. [Link]
- Katzung, B. G. (2017). Basic and clinical pharmacology. McGraw-Hill Education.
- Lehne, R. A., Moore, L. A., Crosby, L. J., & Hamilton, D. B. (2004).
Pharmacology for nursing care.
- Smeltzer, S. C., & Bare, B. G. (1992). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott.
Why the nurse rotate the insulin injection site?
People who take insulin daily should rotate their injection sites. This is important because using the same spot over time can cause lipodystrophy. In this condition, fat either breaks down or builds up under the skin, causing lumps or indentations that interfere with insulin absorption.
When teaching a patient about insulin therapy the nurse would explain that which injection site area has the best insulin absorption rate?
The abdomen is the preferred site of injection because it is the least susceptible to factors affecting insulin absorption (see Table 1). Insulin aspart, glulisine and lispro appear to have less day-to-day variation in absorption rates and also less absorption variation from the different body regions (3,5,8,21).
What would you teach the patient about giving insulin?
The insulin needs to go into the fat layer under the skin.. Pinch the skin and put the needle in at a 45º angle.. If your skin tissues are thicker, you may be able to inject straight up and down (90º angle). ... . Push the needle all the way into the skin. ... . Leave the syringe in place for 5 seconds after injecting..
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