Getting Ready to Leave the Hospital - My Plan for Diabetes
My Testing Schedule
Talk to your team about the best times for you to check your blood sugars.
Before Meals:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After Meals
Bedtime
Anytime you have signs or symptoms of low or high blood sugars
Before and After Activity
Other Times: ________________________
Blood Sugar Goal: ____________
My Doses (Please be sure to confirm your final doses with the nurse or pharmacist.)
Type of Insulin |
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Bedtime |
______ units
Add correction insulin if blood sugar is higher than ______ |
______ units
Add correction insulin if blood sugar is higher than ______ |
______ units
Add correction insulin if blood sugar is higher than ______ |
______ units
Add correction insulin if blood sugar is higher than ______ |
|
| ______ units | ______ units | ______ units | ______ units |
Other Notes:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Key Points about Your Insulin
The chart below tells you more about each insulin you take. Onset means how long it takes to start to work. Peak means when it works at its best. Duration means how long it affects your blood sugars.
| Insuline Name | Onset | Peak | Duration | Key Points |
Novolog® (aspart)/ Humalog® (lispro) Apidra® (glulisine) |
5-15 minutes |
1-2 hours |
4-6 hours |
Take within 10 minutes before or after eating. |
| Regular | 30-60 minutes |
2-4 hours |
6-10 hours |
Take within 30 minutes of eating. |
| NPH | 1-2 hours |
4-8 hours |
10-20 hours |
This insulin is cloudy. Always roll the bottle before using. |
| Levemir® (detemir) | 1-2 hours |
8-12 hours |
12-24 hours |
Never mix in the same syringe with any other insulin. |
| Lantus® (glargine) | 1-2 hours |
None | 24 + hours |
Never mix in the same syringe with any other insulin. |
Changes Once You Leave the Hospital
Many things can change once you go home. Your activity and diet may change. Your medications may change as well. All of these changes may affect how much insulin you need. Be sure to contact your doctor if your blood sugars are not within your goal range.
Insulin Expiration
| Type of Insulin | Refrigerated or not, once opened, the insulin expires in |
Pre-filled Insulin Pens
|
10 days 14 days
28 days 42 days *(do not refrigerate pens in use) |
Insulin Cartridges
|
7 days 7 days 28 days *(do not refrigerate pens in use) |
Insulin Vials
|
42 days 28 days |
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 03/29/2012
Copyright © 03/29/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5986
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