What it means
The hormone that moves glucoseGLOO-kohsA simple sugar that is the body's main source of energy.gluc/o sweet, sugar-ose sugarFull entry (sugar) from the blood into the cells, which lowers the blood glucose. In diabetes mellitusdy-uh-BEE-teez MEL-ih-tusA long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.Full entry the body makes too little insulin or does not respond to it well, so insulin is given as a medicine, usually by subcutaneoussub-kyoo-TAY-nee-usUnder the skin; in the fatty layer between the skin and the muscle.sub- undercutane/o skin-ous relating toFull entry injection or pump and sometimes by IV. Types differ by how fast they start and how long they last: rapid-acting (insulin lispro, insulin aspart), short-acting (regular insulin), intermediate-acting (NPH) and long-acting (insulin glargine, insulin detemir).
For the nurse
Check the blood glucose before giving insulin and know when the insulin will peak, because that is when hypoglycemiahy-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uhA blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.hypo- belowglyc/o sugar, glucose-emia in the bloodFull entry is most likely. Have a second nurse check doses where agency policy requires it, use an insulin syringe or pen, and never use the abbreviation "U" for units. Only regular insulin is given IV. Teach the signs of low blood glucose and how to treat it.
In a chart
"Blood glucose 212 mg/dL before lunch; 4 units insulin lispro given per sliding scale."
Remember it
Insulin is the key that unlocks the cell door so sugar can get in.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidiabetic hormone |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Humalog (insulin lispro), NovoLog (insulin aspart), Humulin R and Novolin R (regular), Lantus (insulin glargine) |
| Spanish | insulina |
| Also written | insulins |
Related terms
hypoglycemia
A blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.
diabetes mellitus
A long-term disease in which blood glucose stays high because the body makes too little insulin or cannot use it well.
hyperglycemia
A blood glucose level above normal, over 100 mg/dL when fasting.
glucose
A simple sugar that is the body's main source of energy.
blood glucose
The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood at the time it is measured.
pancreas
A long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.