This article will help you to be familiar with the means by which insulin can be provided for administration. © University of Southampton Insulin is only available as a liquid preparation. Depending on different circumstances it can:
1. Injecting insulin subcutaneouslyHow insulin is suppliedThere are several means by which it can be supplied for use subcutaneously (in the skin):
Insulin should never be drawn out of a cartridge using a syringe. Figure: insulin should never be drawn out of a cartridge using a syringeHow insulin should be administered subcutaneously
2. Administered by personal insulin pumpFor patients with type 1 diabetes, a pre-filled insulin cartridge can also be inserted into a personal insulin pump. This device is permanently worn by the patient and constantly delivers an infusion of insulin, at a rate defined by the user. Figure: fitting a wearable insulin pumpThe cartridge is changed every few days.
3. Administered intravenouslyIf a person in a hospital is unwell with uncontrolled high blood glucose levels, insulin can be administered through an intravenous insulin infusion. It is only rapid or short-acting insulin that is administered by this route. The hourly rate of insulin infused is adjusted depending on the measured venous blood glucose per hour. The aim is to keep blood glucose levels at a safe level. If you’d like to learn more about insulin, check out the full online course from the University of Southampton, below. © University of Southampton This article is from the free online Understanding InsulinCreated by Our purpose is to transform access to education.We offer a diverse selection of courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life. We believe learning should be an enjoyable, social experience, so our courses offer the opportunity to discuss what you’re learning with others as you go, helping you make fresh discoveries and form new ideas. Learn more about how FutureLearn is transforming access to education Which is the preferred route of administration for insulin?Subcutaneous route of administration is widely preferred method for administration of insulin because of the ease of self-administration. It has limitations like pain at injection site, lipodystrophy, noncompliance by the patient, etc.
Which is the best absorption site for insulin administration?Insulin is more readily absorbed from the abdomen and deltoid region compared to thigh and buttocks [111, 115, 118, 122–125, 130]. The pharmacokinetic profile of long-acting insulin preparations has been reported to be less susceptible to changes in absorption rate associated with injection site rotation [84, 133].
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