Insulin Therapy Flashcards
7 cards from real Diabetes practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Insulin Therapy flashcards as text
Which insulin requires a prescription but can be purchased over the counter at most US pharmacies without prior authorization?
Answer: Regular human insulin (ReliOn) at Walmart
Regular human insulin (such as ReliOn brand) is available OTC at Walmart and some other pharmacies at low cost, though analog insulins require a prescription.
Insulin glargine (Lantus) should NOT be mixed with other insulins because:
Answer: Its acidic pH can alter the pharmacokinetics of the mixture
Glargine's acidic pH (approximately 4) is neutralized when mixed, disrupting the microprecipitate that creates its prolonged, peakless absorption.
A patient with Type 1 diabetes on MDI wants to reduce hypoglycemia risk overnight. The best strategy is:
Answer: Use a continuous glucose monitor with low-glucose suspend feature
A CGM with low-glucose suspend automatically pauses insulin delivery when glucose falls, significantly reducing nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Which of the following correctly describes 'basal-bolus' insulin therapy?
Answer: Long-acting insulin for background control plus rapid-acting insulin at mealtimes
Basal-bolus therapy mimics normal pancreatic function using a long-acting insulin for steady background coverage and rapid-acting insulin to cover meals.
Severe hypoglycemia requiring assistance from another person should be treated first with:
Answer: Glucagon injection or nasal glucagon (Baqsimi) if the patient cannot swallow
When a patient is unconscious or cannot swallow, glucagon (injectable or intranasal) is the first-line emergency treatment to raise blood glucose.
A patient's HbA1c remains above target despite adequate basal insulin. The next recommended step per ADA guidelines is:
Answer: Add mealtime bolus insulin starting with the largest meal
When basal insulin is optimized but HbA1c remains elevated, postprandial glucose is the likely driver and a mealtime bolus should be added, starting with the largest meal.
Which statement about U-500 regular insulin is correct?
Answer: It is 5 times more concentrated than standard U-100 insulin
U-500 insulin contains 500 units per mL, making it 5 times more concentrated than U-100, and is used for highly insulin-resistant patients requiring very large doses.