Diabetes & Insulin Pens
Prepared by: Alison Deux, 4th year pharmacy student
Background on Diabetes
• More than 9 MILLION Canadians are living
with diabetes or pre-diabetes
• 20 more people are diagnosed every hour
• There are two main types of Diabetes:
• Type 1
• Type 2
Type 1:
Where the body is unable to produce insulin; a
hormone that controls the amount of sugar in the
blood. This is usually diagnosed in children and
adolescents. Approximately 10% of people with
diabetes have type 1.
Type 2:
Where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin
OR when the body doesn’t effectively use the
insulin that is produced. This usually develops in
adulthood; however, in recent years we have seen
this in children as well. Approximately 90% of
people with diabetes have type 2.
Gestational:
A temporary condition that occurs during
pregnancy.
Pre-Diabetes:
Where a person’s blood sugar levels are higher
than normal, but not yet high enough to be
diagnosed as type 2.
What is blood sugar?
• Blood sugar is the amount of sugar in your
blood at a given time.
• Blood sugar testing can:
• Provide a quick measurement of a blood sugar level at
a given time;
• Determine if blood sugar is high or low
What is blood sugar?
• Blood sugar is tested using a blood sugar
monitor.
• Patients with type 1 diabetes should test their
blood sugar at least twice a day
• To use a blood sugar monitor:
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMMpeLLgdgY
What do the readings mean?
• Blood sugar readings should be between 47mmol/L when taken before meals.
• If the reading is below 4, the person’s blood
sugar is below target, and the person may be
experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar.
• If the reading is above 7, the person’s blood
sugar is above target, and the person may be
experiencing symptoms of high blood sugar.
What is low blood sugar?
• Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia.
• Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia include
sweating,
hunger,
shakiness,
heart
palpitations (heavy, fast heartbeats), anxiety,
feeling irritable, mood or behaviour changes,
numb lips or tongue and headache.
What if hypoglycemia occurs?
• Always carry a source of fast sugar and a snack
• At the first signs of low blood sugar check the blood
sugar value and get the person to eat 15g of a fast
acting sugar source (such as ¾ cup orange juice or
regular pop; 1 glucose tablet; 6 lifesaver candies)
• After 10-15 minutes if the person doesn’t feel better
or their blood glucose level is less than 4mmol/L,
give another fast source of sugar. If their blood sugar
level is still low after another 10-15 min, they should
be taken to the nearest ER.
What if hypoglycemia occurs?
• If the hypoglycemia is severe (blood sugar
<2.8mmol/L) 20g of CHO should be eaten.
Wait 15 minutes, retest blood sugar and if
below 4mmol/L take 15g CHO.
• If BG is >4mmol/L but their next meal or snack
is 30 min or more away, immediately get them
to eat a snack of 6 crackers and 1 ounce of
cheese or 1 slice of bread and a tablespoonful
of peanut butter or equivalent.
What is high blood sugar?
• High blood sugar is called hyperglycemia.
• Signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia
include increased urination, increased
thirst, fruity smelling breath, weakness,
nausea, and/or vomiting
What if hyperglycemia occurs?
• If blood sugar is >14mmol/L and they are
showing signs and symptoms of high blood
sugar, contact health care providers
immediately.
• If blood sugar is consistently higher than
7mmol/L, contact health care providers as
insulin doses may need to be adjusted.
What is insulin?
• In Diabetes, the body does not produce any or
enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds up in
the bloodstream, potentially leading to
serious health problems such as blindness,
heart disease, kidney problems, etc.
• Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount
of sugar in the blood.
Types of insulin
• There are different types of insulin available,
offering flexibility in the timing and number of
injections required.
• These include:
•
•
•
•
Rapid Acting (clear)
Short Acting (clear) – ex)Humulin R
Intermediate Acting (cloudy) – ex)Humulin N
Long Acting (clear)
Possible side effects of insulin
• Hypoglycemia
• Weight gain
• Allergic reactions
Insulin
• Keep unopened insulin in the refrigerator
(temperature 2-10°C).
• Opened insulin can be kept at room
temperature for up to 28 days (ensure to note
date removed from fridge)
• Always check the expiry date before using.
• Do not allow insulin to freeze or get too hot.
Pens vs. Syringes
Insulin Pens
• Easy to take with you
and use on the go
• Easy to use
• Ability to give precise
doses
Insulin Syringes
• Are the “old standard”
• Less expensive
• Can use less injections if
require mixed insulin
doses
Huma-Pen
• https://www.mylillypen.com/luxura_howToUs
e.aspx