Insulin Administration
Subcutaneous Injections: Insulin
Carefully select the ordered insulin and syringes. Note that there are many different types of insulin with different rates of onset, peak, and duration of action. |
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Mixing two insulins in one syringe: Humulin R + Humulin N
*Note: Different brands and types of insulin may not be able to be mixed in one syringe. For example Lantus has to be administered by itself and cannot be mixed. |
![]() Roll the vial of Humulin N to mix the contents. Do NOT shake the vial. |
![]() Wipe the top of both vials |
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![]() Inject the same amount of air into the vial of Humulin N as the ordered dose. |
![]() Inject the same amount of air into the vial of Humulin R as the ordered dose. |
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![]() Withdraw the ordered amount of Humulin R |
![]() Withdraw the ordered amount of Humulin N |
Sample:
Humulin R 15 units |
Inject 12 units of air into the Humulin N vial Inject 15 units of air into the Humulin R vial Withdraw 15 units of Humulin R (be very careful to get rid of all the air bubbles) Withdraw 12 units of Humulin N (you will have a total of 27 units in the syringe; 15 + 12 = 27). This dose must be exact. If you draw back beyond the 27 unit mark, you have to start completely over. |
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![]() Note what syringe you are using. The markings vary between syringes. Only insulin syringes are used for administering insulin injections. |
Rule to Remember: Never contaminate a vial of regular insulin with any other type of insulin, since regular insulin is also used for IV administration. |
A mneumonic to help you remember the order is:
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Long | Short | Short | Long |
Air into the long | Air into the short | Draw up short | Draw up long |
Cloudy | Clear | Clear | Cloudy |
Administering Insulin
Things to consider before administering insulin:
- What was the capillary blood sugar level?
- When will the patient be eating?
- Site to be used?
- Type of insulin to be administered. Onset? Duration?
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Using a safety syringe:
OSHA regulations require the use of safety syringes. There are several different types. ![]()
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Additional Resources:
The Healing Handbook for Persons with Diabetes:
http://www.umassmed.edu/diabeteshandbook/intro.htm
Insulin:
http://www.umassmed.edu/diabeteshandbook/chap08.htm
Webcast:
http://webcasts.prous.com/ADA2006_PGCourse/index2.asp?sec=5
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org
National Diatbetes Education Initiative
http://www.ndei.org/
Novo Nordisk
http://www.novonordisk.com/
Hoffman-LaRoche Healthcare Providers
http://www.roche-diagnostics.com/healthcare/index.html
Lantus Insulin
http://www.drugs.com/pdr/Lantus_Injection.html