09.08 Insulin – Mixtures (70/30)

Hey guys, let's talk about insulin mixtures or 70 30 insulin also known as Humalog mix, Novolog mix Humulin 70 30, and Novolin 70 30 here. We see a picture of a Humalog mix. This is an injectable medication. So the therapeutic class of insulin mixtures is anti-diabetics and hormones. And remember the therapeutic class is how the drug works in the body. The pharmacologic class is pancreatics. And remember, this is the chemical effect of the drug. So insulin mixture 70/30 works by stimulating the uptake of glucose into muscle and fat cells. They inhibit the production of glucose in the liver and prevents the breakdown of fat and protein. Insulin mixtures are indicated for hyperglycemia related to type one and type two diabetes, and also for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

So with insulin, we sometimes see side effects related to hypoglycemia, which can include things like headache, nausea, confusion, and also because insulin is injected, it can cause injection site redness and pain. Let's take a look at a few nursing considerations for insulin mixtures. Be sure to assess for signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, monitor the patient's weight as insulin can increase weight in the patient over time. It is important to know that insulin mixture can cause a decrease in inorganic, phosphates, potassium, and magnesium levels. Be sure to teach the patient that blood sugar should be monitored while on insulin. And, this will depend on the type of insulin that the is on, but A1C should be monitored every three to six months. Guys, it's important that our patients who are on insulin understand the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and what to do if this occurs. Also, guys, some patients believe that if they are on insulin, they can pretty much eat whatever they like and insulin will just fix their issue. So be sure that your patient understands the implications of this as this misconception is definitely something I, as a nurse, have encountered time after time and really have had to educate the patient on. That's it for 70/30 mixed insulin, Humalog mix, Novolog mix, Humulin 70/30, or Novolin 70/30. Now go out and be your best self today. And as always happy nursing.