What it means
A mealtime (bolus) insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry that starts working in about 15 minutes, peaks in about 1 to 2 hours and lasts about 3 to 5 hours. It is used with a long-acting insulin, in insulin pumps, and in sliding-scale or correction doses. It is clear and can be mixed with NPH insulin when ordered.
For the nurse
Give it within 15 minutes before a meal, and make sure the meal tray is there or the client is about to eat. Check blood glucose first. Watch for low blood glucose around the peak time. Its name looks and sounds like other insulins, so check the product carefully.
In a chart
"Blood glucose 236 mg/dL; insulin lispro 4 units SUBQ given per correction scale as lunch tray arrived."
At a glance
| Drug class | rapid-acting insulin |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Humalog, Admelog, Lyumjev |
| Spanish | insulina lispro |
| Also written | Humalog, Admelog, Lyumjev |
Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
hypoglycemia
A blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.
insulin glargine
A long-acting insulin, injected once a day, that gives a steady background level of insulin for about 24 hours.
insulin aspart
A rapid-acting insulin injected just before a meal to cover the rise in blood glucose from eating.