A client is ordered to receive insulin lispro (Humalog) at mealtimes. When should the nurse instruct the client to administer the medication?
A.
15 minutes after eating
B.
5 minutes before eating
C.
10 minutes after eating
D.
30 minutes before eating .
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. 5 minutes before eating.
Explanation:
Insulin lispro, marketed under the brand name Humalog, is a rapid-acting insulin used to manage blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. It is designed to mimic the body’s natural insulin response to meals. To optimize its effectiveness and closely match the insulin spike that occurs after eating, it is crucial to time its administration correctly.
Administration Timing:
- Onset of Action: Insulin lispro has a rapid onset of action, typically starting to work within 15 minutes after injection. This quick onset is beneficial for managing postprandial (after meal) blood glucose spikes.
- Peak and Duration: The peak effect of insulin lispro occurs about 30 to 90 minutes after administration, and its overall duration of action lasts approximately 3 to 5 hours. This rapid action and short duration are designed to cover the blood glucose increase from eating a meal.
- Timing of Administration: To ensure that insulin lispro is at its peak effect when the glucose from the meal starts entering the bloodstream, it should be administered just before eating. The ideal time for administration is approximately 5 to 15 minutes before the meal. This timing allows the insulin to start working as the glucose from the meal begins to be absorbed, thus effectively managing blood sugar levels during and after eating.
- Alternative Times: Administering insulin lispro too early (e.g., 30 minutes before a meal) may lead to insufficient coverage at the time the glucose from the meal enters the bloodstream, which could result in elevated blood sugar levels. Conversely, administering it after eating could lead to inadequate control of postprandial glucose spikes.
In summary, to manage blood glucose levels effectively and align with the physiological insulin response to meals, insulin lispro should be administered approximately 5 minutes before eating. This approach ensures that the insulin is at the right level of action to control the postprandial rise in blood glucose.