What it means
The standard short-acting insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry . Given 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 , it starts to work in about 30 minutes, peaks in about 2 to 3 hours and lasts up to about 6 to 8 hours. It is the only insulin given IV, for example in an insulin drip for diabetic ketoacidosisdy-uh-BET-ik kee-toh-as-ih-DOH-sisA state of high blood glucose, ketones in the blood and acidic blood, caused by a lack of insulin.ket/o ketonesacid/o acid-osis abnormal conditionFull entry . It is clear, so in a mixed dose it is drawn up first ("clear before cloudy"). A concentrated form, U-500, is five times stronger than standard U-100.
For the nurse
Check the blood glucose before giving it and give it about 30 minutes before a meal, so food is there at the peak. Watch for 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 at the peak. For an IV drip, check glucose often and use a pump; ISMP gives U-500 special emphasis because a dose mix-up can be fivefold.
In a chart
"Regular insulin infusion at 6 units/hour per protocol; glucose checked hourly."
Remember it
Regular is the "R" in Humulin R and the only one you can run in a vein.
At a glance
| Drug class | short-acting insulin (antidiabetic hormone) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Humulin R, Novolin R; Humulin R U-500 (concentrated) |
| Spanish | insulina regular |
| Also written | regular human insulin |
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.
diabetic ketoacidosis
A state of high blood glucose, ketones in the blood and acidic blood, caused by a lack of insulin.
rapid-acting insulin
Insulin that starts to work within about 15 minutes and is timed with meals.
short-acting insulin
Insulin that starts working in about 30 minutes and lasts several hours; regular insulin is the main example.