Diabetes Insulin Medications (cont.)
Gary D. Vogin, MD
Dr. Vogin is a board-certified general internist, having completed his residency in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia in June 1994. Before deciding on internal medicine, Vogin prepared for a career in pathology and was Outstanding Transitional First Year Graduate at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J., in 1991.
In this Article
- What is the diabetes medication insulin and how does it work?
- For what conditions is the diabetes medication insulin used?
- Are there differences among types of insulin?
- How is the diabetes drug insulin administered?
- How should the diabetes medication insulin be stored?
- How often should blood glucose be checked when taking insulin?
- What are the side effects of the diabetes drug insulin?
- What are the drug interactions with the diabetes medication insulin?
- What are warnings and precautions the diabetes drug insulin?
- What are some examples of insulin?
- Prescription Oral Diabetes Medications
What are warnings and precautions the diabetes drug insulin?
- Insulin should not be used if low blood sugar is present.
- Any adjustment of insulin, whether to a different brand, type, strength, or method of administration, must be made under medical supervision.
- Injury, illness, surgery, and changes in activity level can affect blood sugar levels, which might require an adjustment in insulin dose.
- Patients should inform medical providers of previous medical history before using insulin, especially adrenal/pituitary gland problems, infections, kidney or liver disease, thyroid issues, and nerve problems such as tingling or numbness.
- Patients should advise medical providers if they are pregnant.
- Alcohol can increase the risk of developing low blood sugar.
- Children and the elderly may be more sensitive to insulin.
- Discard open vials of insulin after 28 days.
- Do not use insulin after its expiration date.
What are some examples of insulin?
American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
Kaiser Permanente www.kaiserpermanente.org
Diabetes Forecast April 2009 http://forecast.diabetes.org/features/checkin-your-blood-glucose
Daily Med www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Last Editorial Review: 7/29/2009
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