c. Insulin Zinc Suspension (Lente Insulin). This product is usually
administered subcutaneously once a day. Most patients administer lente insulin
approximately 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast. The onset of action of this
preparation ranges from one to three hours. The time required for peak effect ranges
from 8 to 12 hours. The duration of action of this product is from 24 to 28 hours.
d. Prompt Insulin Zinc Suspension (Semilente). This product is
administered subcutaneously. Typically, it is given once a day, 30 to 60 minutes before
breakfast. The onset of action of Semilente is from one to three hours. The time
required for peak effect is from two to eight hours. The duration of action of this
preparation is from 12 to 16 hours.
e. Extended Insulin Zinc Suspension (Ultralente). This product is usually
administered subcutaneously. It is usually given 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
The onset of action of this product is from four to six hours. The time required to reach
the peak effect is from 18 to 24 hours. The duration of action of Ultralente is
approximately 36 hours.
f. Isophane Insulin Suspension (NPH Insulin). This product is usually
administered subcutaneously once a day. It is typically given 30 to 60 minutes before
breakfast. The onset of action of NPH Insulin is from three to four hours. The time
required to obtain the peak effect ranges from 6 to 12 hours. The duration of action of
NPH Insulin ranges from 24 to 28 hours.
g. Globin Zinc Insulin Injection (Globin Insulin). This product is
administered subcutaneously. It is usually administered once a day, from 30 to 60
minutes before breakfast. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT MIXED WITH OTHER INSULIN
TYPES BECAUSE OF ITS pH. The onset of action of globin insulin is two hours. The
time required for peak effect ranges from eight to 16 hours. The duration of action of
this product is 24 hours.
h. Isophane Insulin Suspension and Insulin Injection. This product consists
of 70 percent of isophane insulin suspension and 30 percent of insulin injection. The
pork source is the only one available. This product is administered subcutaneously.
Typically, it is administered once a day, 15 to 30 minutes before breakfast.
10-17. IRREGULARITIES OF INSULIN THERAPY
Theoretically, a person who has been prescribed insulin should have few
problems with diabetes mellitus if food intake is controlled and if insulin administration is
properly maintained. However, such control is easier said than done. Periods of stress
(physical or mental in nature) can interfere with the delicate balance a diabetic has to
maintain in order to function properly. If the diabetic ingests too much food (e.g., eats
several pieces of candy at a holiday celebration), this delicate balance can be upset.
Diabetics and their friends must be aware of potential difficulties associated with
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