INSULIN

    Cards (31)

    • What is a common indication for insulin in type 1 diabetes?
      Insulin replacement therapy
    • When is insulin given intravenously?
      During diabetic emergencies
    • Why is insulin given with IV glucose for hyperkalaemia?
      To prevent hypoglycaemia during treatment
    • How does exogenous insulin function in the body?
      It stimulates glucose uptake into tissues
    • What is the primary therapeutic effect of insulin?
      Lowering blood glucose concentration
    • What happens to potassium levels when insulin treatment is stopped?
      Potassium leaks back into circulation
    • What are the classifications of insulin preparations?
      Rapid, short, intermediate, long acting
    • What is an example of a rapid-acting insulin?
      NovoRapid® (insulin aspart)
    • What type of insulin is used for IV administration in emergencies?
      Soluble insulin (Actrapid®)
    • Why are insulin preparations dosed in units?
      To correspond to glucose-lowering activity
    • What is the main adverse effect of insulin therapy?
      Hypoglycaemia
    • What can repeated SC injection of insulin cause?
      Fat overgrowth (lipohypertrophy)
    • How does renal impairment affect insulin clearance?
      It reduces insulin clearance, increasing hypoglycaemia risk
    • What is a risk of combining insulin with other hypoglycaemic agents?
      Increased risk of hypoglycaemia
    • What is a key component of a basal–bolus insulin regimen?
      Daily long-acting insulin injection
    • What is the advantage of a basal–bolus regimen?
      It provides flexibility in insulin dosing
    • How is a 1-unit/mL IV solution of insulin prepared?
      50 units in 50 mL sodium chloride
    • What should be monitored when administering IV insulin?
      Serum potassium levels
    • What is the mainstay of monitoring insulin therapy?
      Capillary blood glucose measurements
    • How much does the NHS spend on insulin annually?
      Over £300 million
    • What is the acceptable blood glucose range in acute illness?
      4–12 mmol/L
    • How should insulin dosage be adjusted for hyperglycaemia?
      Increase the dose by about 10%
    • What is the preferred insulin type for correcting acute hyperglycaemia?
      Rapid-acting insulin (e.g. NovoRapid®)
    • What are the mechanisms of action of insulin?
      • Stimulates glucose uptake into tissues
      • Stimulates glycogen, lipid, and protein synthesis
      • Inhibits gluconeogenesis and ketogenesis
      • Activates Na+/K+-ATPase, reducing serum K+
    • What are the types of insulin preparations and their characteristics?
      • Rapid acting: Immediate onset, short duration (e.g. NovoRapid®)
      • Short acting: Early onset, short duration (e.g. Actrapid®)
      • Intermediate acting: Intermediate onset and duration (e.g. Humulin I®)
      • Long acting: Flat profile, regular administration (e.g. Lantus®)
      • Biphasic: Mixture of rapid and intermediate acting (e.g. NovoMix® 30)
    • What are the important lifestyle measures for diabetes management?
      • Healthy, balanced diet
      • Regular exercise
      • Monitoring blood glucose levels
    • What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and how to treat it?
      Symptoms:
      • Dizziness
      • Agitation
      • Nausea
      • Sweating
      • Confusion

      Treatment:
      • Sugary drink followed by a sandwich
    • What should be monitored in patients receiving insulin therapy?
      • Capillary blood glucose measurements
      • Haemoglobin A1c at least annually
      • Serum potassium during IV insulin infusion
    • What are the key considerations for insulin dosage adjustment in hospitals?
      • Acceptable blood glucose range: 4–12 mmol/L
      • Increase dose by 10% for hyperglycaemia
      • Decrease dose by 20% for hypoglycaemia
      • Adjustments made for future control
    • What are the adverse effects of insulin therapy?
      • Hypoglycaemia (risk of coma and death)
      • Lipohypertrophy from repeated SC injections
    • What are the important interactions with insulin therapy?
      • Increased hypoglycaemia risk with other hypoglycaemic agents
      • Increased insulin requirements with systemic corticosteroids
    See similar decks