Short-acting insulin (actrapid)

Question	Answer
Indications	Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with diet, exercise and oral antidiabetic drugs, and where oral antidiabetic drugs cannot be used
Actions	Increase or restore ability to metabolise glucose by enhancing cellular glucose uptake inhibit endogenous glucose output and lipolysis.
Pharmacokinetics (absorption)	Well absorbed from subcutaneous abdominal injection sites, not as well absorbed in other sites
Pharmacokinetics (distribution)	Does not enter breast milk or cross the placenta
Metabolism & excretion	Mostly metabolised by the liver, with the remained excreted by the kidneys. Also metabolised at a cellular level.
Interactions	Caution should be used when taking other drugs that decrease glucose levels in the blood such as MAOIs, betablockers, salicylates or alcohol. Dose should be adjusted accordingly.
Nursing assessment requirements	BGL level pre and post Baseline vital signs to assist with detecting hypo/hyperglycaemia Monitor person's response to administration
Education	Diabetes education: signs of hypoglycaemia, diet, exercise. Consider referral to diabetes education.

Resource summary

	Created by Em J almost 6 years ago