Glucose Management Medications

insulin

made by the pancreas; released from beta cells of islets of Langerhans in pancreas; responds to increase in blood glucose

glycogen

insulin converts glucose to this for future glucose needs

Lispro

rapid acting insulin

-log

brand names end in this for rapid acting insulin

regular

short acting insulin (R on bottle)

insulin isophane

intermediate acting insulin (N on the bottle)

intermediate acting insulin

cloudy

glargine

long acting insulin

combination insulin

composed of short and intermediate acting or rapid and intermediate acting

humulin

isophane NPH 70% and regular 30%

insulin isophane

humulin NPH 50% and regular 50%

humalog

lispro protamine 75% and lispro 25%

hypoglycemia

headache, dizzy, confusion, slurred speech, tremors, agitation, nervousness

hyperglycemia

thirst, dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, fruity breath, fatigue, Kussmaul

insulin pump

used to minimize injections, logs record of use

insulin pens

used for individuals with visual deficits, easy dosing, easy admin

sliding scale insulin

dosage dependent on glucose reading; done before eating and at bedtime; uses rapid or short acting

metformin

decrease glucose production by the liver; increase insulin sensitivity; diarrhea, weight loss, contract dye caution

glyburide

stimulates pancreas to secrete more insulin; only works if client still makes insulin; can’t give with sulfa allergy

glucagon

makes liver produce glucose from stored glycogen; must eat afterward; give via IM route

D50W

IV push; unresponsive to hypoglycemia; stay with patient to assess LOC