Insulin Regimes?

[nikki17]

Hello,

I'm very confused regarding when to give what type of insulin. For example, what kind of insulin would be administered prior to bedtime and then the following morning before or after breakfast?

I know the onset, peak, and duration for all four (Rapid acting, short acting, intermediate (basal) and long lasting) but it's just the WHEN that's not clear to me.

Does anyone know any helpful websites at least that would be able to give some scenarios to help explain this?

[lovehospital]

You give rapid acting insulin (like Humalog) with meals.

Short acting insulins cover insulin needs for meals eaten within 30-60 minutes.

NPH insulin is given to to cover insulin needs about half the day or overnight.(I guess depends on the agency)

Long acting insulin covers insulin needs for about 1 full day.This type of insulin is often combined,when needed,with rapid acting or short acting insulins.

Premixed insulins (combination of insulins) are generally taken twice a day before the mealtime.

[Nursey103, ADN, RN]

I think you would always have a doctors order..

In the hospital where I'm doing clinicals, we give insulin off a sliding scale (usually Novolog) and I think they give Lantus in the evening (I'm never there that late).....but there is always a doctors order for how often to check the glucose and when to give the insulin.

[truern]

You absolutely would have a MD's order for what type and when to give it.

As an insulin-dependent diabetic, I can tell you nothing, and I mean NOTHING, makes me crazier than to go to the hospital and they want to screw with my insulin regime. My doctor and I worked long and hard to get to a place that works for me. LISTEN to your patient, especially if they're not newly diagnosed, and advocate for them.