Intermediate- and long-acting insulins contain added substances buffers that make them work over a long time and that may make them look cloudy. When these types of insulin sit for even a few minutes, the buffered insulin settles to the bottom of the vial. But insulin glargine and insulin detemir are clear liquids not cloudy. Mixtures of insulin can sometimes be combined in the same syringe, for example, intermediate-acting and rapid- or short-acting insulin.
Not all insulins can be mixed together. For convenience, there are premixed rapid- and intermediate-acting insulin. The insulin will start to work as quickly as the fastest-acting insulin in the combination. It will peak when each type of insulin typically peaks, and it will last as long as the longest-acting insulin. Examples include:.
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Top of the page. Topic Overview Insulin is used to treat people who have diabetes. Types of insulin footnote 1 Type Examples Appearance When it starts to work onset The time of greatest effect peak How long it lasts duration Rapid-acting Apidra insulin glulisine Clear 10—15 minutes 1—1.
Types of insulin. Canadian Journal of Diabetes , 42 Suppl 1 : S DOI: Accessed November 16, Other Works Consulted Insulin degludec injection Facts and Comparisons eAnswers. Accessed December 30, Insulin detemir injection Accessed May 13, Keep unopened bottles of insulin in the refrigerator until needed. They may be used until the expiry date on the label. Never allow insulin to freeze. Insulin that is currently in use may be kept at room temperature for no more than 28 days and then discarded.
Insulin must not be exposed to extremely hot temperatures or to sunlight. Keep insulin out of reach of children. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater e. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired. Many medications can cause side effects.
A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication.
If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed.
Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health.
These factors may affect how you should use this medication. Allergic reactions: If you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction e. Appearance of insulin: The contents of the vial of insulin aspart should be clear and colourless.
Do not use this medication if your notice anything unusual about its appearance, such as cloudiness, discoloration, or clumping. Changes at injection site: Fatty tissue under the skin at the injection site may shrink or thicken if you inject yourself too often at the same site. To help avoid this effect, change the site with each injection. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator if you notice your skin pitting or thickening at the injection site.
Changes in insulin requirements: Many things can affect blood glucose levels and insulin requirements. These include:. It is important your doctor know your current health situation and any changes that may affect the amount of insulin you need. Blood glucose should be monitored regularly as recommended by your doctor or diabetes educator.
Diabetic identification: It is important to either wear a bracelet or necklace or carry a card indicating you have diabetes and are taking insulin.
Family and friends: Educate your family and friends about the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia low blood glucose. Keep a glucagon kit available and instruct them on its proper use in case you experience severe low blood glucose and you lose consciousness.
Low blood glucose hypoglycemia : Hypoglycemia may occur if too much insulin is used, if meals are missed, or if you exercise more than usual. Symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycemia may occur suddenly and can include cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling of the tongue, lips, or fingers.
Mild to moderate hypoglycemia may be treated by eating foods or drinks that contain sugar. People taking insulin should always carry a quick source of sugar, such as hard candies, glucose tablets, juice, or regular soft drinks not diet soft drinks. Signs of severe hypoglycemia can include disorientation, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
People who are unable to take sugar by mouth or who are unconscious may require an injection of glucagon or treatment with intravenous into the vein glucose. Pregnancy: It is essential to maintain good blood glucose control throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements usually decrease during the first trimester and increase during the second and third trimesters. Breast-feeding: Breast-feeding mothers may require adjustments in insulin dose or diet. It is not known if insulin aspart passes into breast milk.
If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking insulin aspart, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding. If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:.
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