Insulin

Insulin

Classifications: exogenous Insulin

Action: Is a hormone that promotes the storage of the body’s fuels

1.    Simulates the synthesis of glycogen from glucose ( glyconeogenesis)

2.    Reacts with specific receptor sites to allow glucose into the cell

–     Replaces endogenous insulin
- Suppresses lipolysis

–Glyco-neo-genesis: The formation of glycogen from noncarbohydrates, such as protein or fat, by conversion of the latter to d-glucose.(medi lexicon)

–Conversion of lipids into fat

Various insulins available are processed within the body like endogenous insulin

–Peak, onset and duration vary based on preparation

Indications

–Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDDM)

–Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people whose diabetes cannot be controlled by diet or other agents
- treatment of type 2 diabetics who are stressed
- managment of DKA, hyperkalaemia, and marked insulin resistance.

Adverse reactions: Hypersensitivity reaction, local reactions at injection site, hypoglycaemia and ketoacidosis.

Contraindications: None

Caution: Pregnancy and lactation

Care considerations: Monitor food intake. Ensure person eats food  half an hour to one hour after dose. Need to know how/when to give insulin, self monitor glucose levels.

Patients need to be taught how to do it themselves!

Drug-drug: When given with any drug that decreases glucose levels or beta blockers. This may include herbs such as juniper berries, ginseng, garlic, fenugreek, coriander, dandelion root or celery.

Beta blockers