Long-Acting Insulin

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Insulins are grouped into categories based on how they perform inside the body. They are categorized by how rapidly they start to work, when their effectiveness peaks, and when they lose their effect.
Humalog (lispro), Novolog (aspart), ans Apidra (glulisine) are considered rapid-acting insulins, which start to work within 5 to 15 minutes of administration. Humulin R and Novolin R are considered short-acting insulins which start to work within 30 minutes of administration. Humulin N or Novolin N (NPH) have an onset of 2 to 4 hours. Levemir (detemir) anf Lantus (glargine) are considered long-acting with an onset of 1 to 2 hours, but are considered "peakless" and can have a duration of up to 24 hours.
Levemir and Lantus are meant to provide a relatively constant blood insulin level. Lantus forms clusters when injected under the skin. As the clusters slowly break down, they are absorbed into the bloodstream. Levemir attaches to the …show more content…

Sliding scale therapy utilizes a set amount of carbohydrate allowed at each meal. A long-acting (or background) insulin dose is given as ordered no matter what the patient's blood sugar is. Short-acting insulin may be used as bolus insulin, which is given before meals and at bedtime. The bolus insulin dose is based upon the blood sugar level at the time of the dose. One common sliding scale regimen, among several, is a long-acting insulin want or twice daily, and a short-acting insulin before meals and at bedtime. Once a patient has received a short-acting insulin dose, it is imperative that the patient has a meal just as the "before meals" order indicates to avoid hypoglycemia. Inform the patient of their blood glucose level as this helps to keep the patient informed of how they tolerated what they have previously eaten. Verbally tell the patient what the injections are before administering to confirm correct medication and less than any chance of

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