A nurse is preparing to administer insulin lispro to a client with diabetes. The nurse should understand that insulin lispro has which of the following characteristics?
A.
Rapid onset and short duration of action
B.
Slow onset and long duration of action
C.
Intermediate onset and duration of action
D.
No peak action time
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Rapid onset and short duration of action.
Explanation:
Insulin lispro is a type of rapid-acting insulin used to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. Understanding its pharmacokinetic properties is essential for effective diabetes management.
Onset of Action: Insulin lispro has a rapid onset of action, typically beginning within 15 minutes after subcutaneous injection. This is in contrast to other types of insulin, such as long-acting insulins (e.g., insulin glargine or detemir), which have a slower onset. The rapid onset of insulin lispro allows for quick control of postprandial (after meal) blood glucose levels, which is crucial for preventing post-meal hyperglycemia.
Peak Action: The peak action of insulin lispro usually occurs between 30 to 90 minutes after administration. This means that it is most effective in lowering blood glucose levels during this time frame. This characteristic allows for more precise control of blood glucose spikes that can occur after meals, as the insulin acts swiftly to counteract these increases.
Duration of Action: Insulin lispro has a relatively short duration of action, typically lasting 3 to 5 hours. This brief duration is beneficial in mimicking the natural insulin secretion pattern of the pancreas more closely. It allows for flexibility in managing meals and reduces the risk of hypoglycemia during non-meal times, which is a common issue with insulins that have a longer duration.
In contrast, other types of insulin have different onset and duration profiles:
- Slow onset and long duration: Typically associated with long-acting insulins like insulin glargine, which are designed to provide a steady level of insulin over a 24-hour period.
- Intermediate onset and duration: Seen with insulins like NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn), which have an intermediate onset and duration, providing coverage for several hours but not as rapid or short-lived as insulin lispro.
- No peak action time: This is not a characteristic of insulin lispro but rather a feature of some long-acting insulins that provide a steady, basal level of insulin without a distinct peak.
By understanding these properties, healthcare providers can effectively plan insulin administration to align with a patient’s meal times and glucose monitoring, thereby optimizing diabetes management and improving overall patient outcomes.