Types of Insulin and Hypo/Hyper-glycemia

Rapid-Acting: Generic Name

Aspart, Glulisine, Lispro

Rapid-Acting: Onset

15-30 minutes

Rapid-Acting: Peak

30 minutes-2.5 hours

Rapid-Acting: Duration

3-6 hours

Short-Acting: Generic Name

Regular

Short-Acting: Onset

30-60 minutes

Short-Acting: Peak

1-5 hours

Short-Acting: Duration

6-10 hours

Intermediate-Acting: Generic Name

NPH, isophane

Intermediate-Acting: Onset

1-2 hours

Intermediate-Acting: Peak

4-12 hours

Intermediate-Acting: Duration

16 hours

Long-Acting: Generic Name

Determir, glargine

Long-Acting: Onset

3-4 hours

Long-Acting: Peak

Continuous — does not peak

Long-Acting: Duration

24 hours

Hyperglycemia Symptoms

Fruity smelling breath, dry mouth, weakness, confusion, coma, increased hunger/thirst, blurred vision, frequent urination, headache

• Provide insulin

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Sweating, hunger, lightheadedness, shaking, fatigue, confusion, dry mouth, tingling lips, blurred vision, headache, irritability, pallor, palpitations, paresthesia, sleepiness, slurred speech, unsteadiness, tremor

• <70 BG = glucose, 25g of carbs (juice) and recheck

• 15 gm cho, (5 life savers, 4 oz juice, milk) follow with protein.

  • Or D50, or glucagon (SC, IM, IV) if NPO or losing consciousness