Need Help with Humulin 70/30 question

Specialties Endocrine

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Hi, I am a nursing student trying to gain insight into when the highest risk for a hypoglycemic episode occurs after administration of a 70/30 NPH/regular premix? I have been through as much literature as I can find and am still confused. Basically how many hours after an AM dose should I be expecting a hypoglycemic reaction to occur? Thanks so much.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

the one that has the fastest action is the regular insulin. It peaks in about 2 hours.

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That was my thinking. The regular insulin peaks around 2 hours while the NPH is kicking in so I chose the answer of between 8-10 AM on my test. The correct answer was 4-6 pm and I am just not understanding why. The manufacturer's rep even stated that the mix peaks at about 2 1/2 hrs so I am feeling a bit lost.

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Hi, I am a nursing student trying to gain insight into when the highest risk for a hypoglycemic episode occurs after administration of a 70/30 NPH/regular premix? I have been through as much literature as I can find and am still confused. Basically how many hours after an AM dose should I be expecting a hypoglycemic reaction to occur? Thanks so much.
I carry this table http://www.isletsofhope.com/diabetes/treatment/insulin_types_1.html
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Thanks so much for your help. I love the chart!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

would have to see the whole question. One reason regular insulin is no longer favored in acute care is that the breakfast dose and the lunch dose meet around 2 p.m. and cause hypoglycemia. Regular continues to work about 8 hours, but we re-dose in about 4 for lunch. Too much on board when that second dose peaks. Plus, regular is always treating highs, not preventing them.

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