Regular insulin: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses

What is regular insulin?

Regular insulin is artificial insulin which has a way of working together with natural human insulin. This insulin is given to replace insulin that cannot be produced in normal amounts in the human body.

Regular insulin is used to help control blood sugar in diabetes patients. Regular use of insulin along with a proper diet and exercise program can help diabetics avoid kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, limb loss and sexual function problems. Proper blood sugar control can also help lower your risk of having a heart attack and stroke.

This medicine helps glucose in the blood enter the body's cells so that it can be broken down and used for energy. Regular insulin is insulin short acting which starts working 15 minutes after injection.

This insulin is also known by the trade names Humulin R or Novolin R. This drug is usually used in conjunction with medium or long acting insulin. This drug can also be used as a single treatment or other oral diabetes medication, for example metformin.

How do you use regular insulin?

Follow the directions on the label or as instructed by your pharmacist and doctor. do not use this medication for less or more than the recommended dosage.

Regular insulin is insulin that is injected into the tissues under the skin or commonly called subcutaneous. You can inject this insulin in the area of ​​the stomach, thighs, buttocks, or upper arm if it has fat tissue. To ensure sufficient fat tissue, inject the area where it is soft enough.

Change the point of injection each time you have a shot. This is done to prevent side effects at the injection point, such as lipodystrophy.

Clean the area to be injected each time you make an injection with an alcoholic tissue. Wait for the area to dry before you inject. Avoid injecting into areas of skin that are swollen, reddish, or itchy. Do not inject insulin in cold conditions because it will be very painful. Let the insulin sit at room temperature first.

Before doing regular insulin injections, make sure that the insulin liquid is in a state that is free of particles and does not change color. Regular insulin should be clear like water. Do not use insulin that has changed color, looks cloudy, or has other foreign objects.

Give regular insulin as directed by your doctor. Usually this insulin is given 30 minutes before meals. This insulin can be given three times a day or more. Because this insulin is a fast-acting insulin, skipping meals or forgetting to eat food after using this insulin can cause hypoglycemia.

Do not share syringes with other people, even if you have changed needles. Sharing syringes can increase the risk of disease transmission from one person to another. You also cannot administer this insulin using an insulin pump.

Regular insulin is available in several brands. Do not change the brand of your medication if it is not recommended by your doctor.

The use of regular insulin can only be mixed with certain insulin products such as insulin isophane (NPH insulin). If you are using insulin injections for insulin administration, make sure that you transfer regular insulin first into a new syringe followed by insulin which has a longer service life.

The dosage given takes into account your health condition and your body's response to treatment. Measure carefully the dosage you should consume, because a slight change in dosage can have a big impact on blood sugar levels in your body. Do not change your dose or stop medication without consulting your doctor.

To get the expected results, use this remedy regularly. To make it easier for you to remember, do the injection at the same time every day. Contact your doctor immediately if the condition does not improve or even gets worse. You may need to adjust your dose or change your medication.

How do I store regular insulin?

Different brands of this product may require different treatments in storage. Make sure you read the storage instructions listed on the packaging.

Store this insulin in a place protected from heat and direct sunlight. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Do not freeze this drug. If it has frozen, discard this insulin. Do not use it even though it has been liquid again.

Storing unopened insulin: leave this insulin in its original container and store it in the refrigerator (at a temperature of 2 - 8 degrees Celsius). Don't keep it inside freezer. You can use it before it expires.

Storing opened insulin: keep vials (vial) or cartridge which has been opened in a cool place and use it within 31 days. Throw out the opened insulin if it has been over 31 days, even if there is insulin remaining in it.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has reached its expiration date or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the regular insulin dose for adults?

Type 1 diabetes

Initial dose: 0.2 - 0.4 unit / kg / day, three or more times a day

Maintenance dose: 0.5 - 1 unit / kg / day, in divided doses three or more times a day. Patients with insulin resistance (due to obesity, for example) may need higher doses of daily insulin.

Type 2 diabetes

Initial dose: 10 units / day at night, or can be given twice daily

What is the regular dose of insulin for children?

Type 1 diabetes

Initial dose: 0.2 - 0.4 unit / kg / day, three or more times a day

Maintenance dose: 0.5 - 1 unit / kg / day, in divided doses three or more times a day. Patients with insulin resistance (due to obesity, for example) may need higher doses of daily insulin.

Adolescents: may need up to 1.5 mg / kg / day during puberty

The total daily insulin requirement for children before puberty varies from 0.7 - 1 unit / kg / day

In what dosages and preparations is regular insulin available?

Injection, Subcutaneous: vial 3mL, 10 mL (100 units / mL)

Side effects

What side effects might occur due to regular insulin use?

Reactions at the injection point are possible, such as pain, redness, and irritation. If this condition does not improve, contact your doctor immediately.

Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms of hypokalemia, which are low levels of potassium in the body, which are characterized by cramps in the legs, constipation, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, thirst and urination, numbness or tingling, muscles feel weak and feel weak.

This insulin can cause hypoglycemia. This happens when you are not consuming enough calories / not eating enough and exercising too much. The signs are sweating, body trembling, fast heartbeat, excessive hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, tingling in the hands or feet. If this happens, consume foods / drinks that contain sugar, such as sugar, candy, or honey.

Serious allergies from regular insulin use are known to be rare. However, call your doctor immediately if you notice allergy symptoms, such as rash, itching / swelling of the face / eyes / lips / tongue / throat, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Remember that your doctor prescribes certain medications because they judge their benefits to outweigh the risk of possible side effects. Almost all drugs have side effects, but in most cases, they rarely require serious attention.

The above list is not a complete list of the side effects of regular insulin that occur. There may be other side effects not mentioned above. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you fear will occur.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I pay attention to before taking regular insulin?

What to do when overdose on regular insulin?

Immediately call for emergency medical assistance (119) or the nearest hospital emergency department if you experience symptoms of an overdose. An overdose from insulin can cause hypoglycemia which can be life threatening.

Signs of severe hypoglycemia, including extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, difficulty breathing, tremors, abdominal pain, confusion, seizures, and even loss of consciousness.

What if I forget my injection schedule?

It is very important to stick to a disciplined injection schedule. Talk to your doctor about the steps you should take if you forget to have an injection. Don't double your dose on a single injection schedule to make up for a missed dose.