Microsoft word - basic diabetic information & how to measure.doc

_______________________________________________________ Basic Insulin Facts: How to Measure Insulin
Types of Insulin
1. Humulin R (Regular) U-1002. *Humulin L (Lente) U-1003. *Humulin U (Ultralente) U-1004. NPH U-1005. Lantus (Glargine) U-1006. PZI U-407. Vetsulin U-40 * These types of insulin are discontinued. Dr.’s Foster and Smith still has Lenteand Ultralente Types of Syringes for Insulin
U-100 – 100 units/ml
U-40 – 40 units/ml
These are the most common. U-40 are very hard to come by. Please note the
difference in the U-40 and U-100 by reviewing these syringes here.
How is insulin measured and stored?
The concentration of insulin is measured in units. Insulin syringes are marked inunits, and may also be marked in milliliters. Be sure to use the unit scale. Also,be sure you are using the appropriate insulin syringe for the concentration ofinsulin you are using.
An insulin syringe has 4 basic parts: the barrel, plunger, needle, and needleguard. Many brands of syringes have the needle permanently attached to thesyringe barrel so it cannot be removed.
1. Prior to removing a dose of insulin from the vial, mix the
contents by gently rolling the vial between the palms of
your hands. DO NOT SHAKE INSULIN as that will cause air
bubbles to form, and it will be more difficult to get an accurate
measurement. The insulin should be uniformly cloudy in the
bottle when you draw it into the syringe. Glargine is clear &
does not need mixing, as it stays suspended.
2. Hold the vial stopper-side-down, remove the needle guardfrom the insulin syringe, and insert the needle of the syringe intothe vial through the rubber stopper.
Pull back on the plunger of the syringe to draw the insulin into the syringe once, then inject it back into the bottle. Redraw theproper dose back into the syringe. This is helpful in accuratelydosing as insulin may stick to the inside of the plastic syringe or anair bubble may be present in the syringe. If any air enters thesyringe, you can also expel that back into the vial by keeping thevial upside down, and the needle of the syringe pointing up.
4. Recheck that you have withdrawn the proper amount ofinsulin.
5. Remove the syringe from the vial and replace theneedle guard.
6. Return the insulin to the refrigerator.
Diabetes Mellitus is more common than Diabetes Insipitus. Diabetes Mellitusoccurs when the pancreas no longer produces insulin or an adequate amount ofinsulin and results in an inability to concentrate urine. *Diabetes Insipitus is atotally unrelated disease.
*Diabetes Insipitus occurs from deficiency in hormones normally produced by thepituitary gland.
Signs that may be seen in a Diabetic patient:
1. Ravenous appetite, but keeps loosing weight
2. PU/PD
3. Cataracts in canines
4. Dropped hocks or carpi, mostly in cats
5. Ketones in urine ~ generally means diabetes is out of control
When checking a diabetic patient in – ask:
1. Time insulin was given
2. Dose given
3. Appetite
4. Water intake, amount of urination
5. Activity level, attitude, sleeping more
6. Ketones and/or Glucose in urine
7. ALWAYS give water
Blood Tests
Blood Glucose ~ generally 4 hours post insulin
Blood Glucose Curve ~ every 2 hours for 8 or 12 or 24 hours, and patient may
need to go to 24 care to continue testing if indicated.
Fructosamine * ~ Tests the blood glucose average over 10-20 days. Can be
drawn at any time.
* If an animal has just started on insulin, this test should be run no sooner than
two weeks post start date.
Sample Sites (Refer to information for owner
1. Pad of paw – paw should be rubbed for at least fifteen seconds to allow blood flow. It does not matter which paw you choose.
2. Ear Pinna – the ear pinna or flap should be rubbed as well. The sample should be taken from the underside of the ear pinna.
3. Tail – like above, should be warmed. Either base or tip of tail. May need 4. *Marginal ear vein ~ last ditch option. Please do not recommend to owner without first speaking to the primary veterinarian. This sample locationcan be very dangerous for obvious reasons.

Source: http://www.bobrecht.us/kenvet/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Diabeties-Basic-Information-How-to-Measure.pdf