Why is it important to mix insulin correctly?

Using two types of insulin can help you keep your blood sugar levels in your target range. When you mix two insulins in one syringe, one type of insulin is always clear and short or rapid-acting, while the other type is cloudy and long-acting.

What insulins can be mixed and why?

The rapid-acting insulins, Lispro, Aspart, and Regular, can be mixed with the longer-acting NPH insulin. Glargine cannot be mixed with any other insulin.

Does insulin need to be mixed?

Some insulins, like glargine (Lantus®) and detemer (Levemir®), cannot be mixed. Other insulins (NovoLog 70/30®, Humalog 75/25®) are already a combination of two types of insulin and should not be mixed. Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Dry your hands.

What are mixed insulins?

Premixed insulin combines two kinds of insulin. The first kind helps the body control blood sugar (blood glucose) all through the day. The second kind helps the body control blood sugar at meal times.

When mixing insulin which goes first?

When you mix regular insulin with another type of insulin, always draw the regular insulin into the syringe first. When you mix two types of insulins other than regular insulin, it does not matter in what order you draw them into the syringe.

Is Humalog fast-acting?

Humalog is a fast-acting insulin that starts working faster and works for a shorter period of time than regular human insulin. Humalog is taken within 15 minutes before eating or right after eating a meal.

How do nurses administer insulin?

The insulin needs to go into the fat layer under the skin.

1. Pinch the skin and put the needle in at a 45º angle.
2. If your skin tissues are thicker, you may be able to inject straight up and down (90º angle).
3. Push the needle all the way into the skin.
4. Leave the syringe in place for 5 seconds after injecting.

When do you give combination insulin?

Humalog Mix75/25 starts lowering blood glucose more quickly than Regular human insulin, allowing for convenient dosing immediately before a meal (within 15 minutes). In contrast, mixtures containing Regular human insulin should be given 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.

When do you take combination insulin?

How Are Doses Scheduled?

1. Rapid acting insulins: About 15 minutes before mealtime.
2. Short-acting insulins: 30 to 60 minutes before a meal.
3. Intermediate-acting insulins: Up to 1 hour prior to a meal.
4. Pre-mixed insulins: Depending on the product, between 10 minutes or 30 to 45 minutes before mealtime.

How do you make mixed insulin?

​Insulin Syringe Preparation: How to Mix Short- and Intermediate-Acting Insulin

1. Step 1: Roll and clean. ​
2. Step 2: Add air to cloudy (intermediate-acting) insulin. ​
3. Step 3: Add air to clear (short-acting) insulin. ​
4. Step 4: Withdraw clear (short-acting) insulin first, then cloudy (intermediate-acting) insulin. ​