Diabetes Medications

Overview

Diabetes medications are used to maintain blood glucose levels within a target range to prevent complications of diabetes mellitus. This category includes various types of insulin and oral glucose-lowering agents that work through different mechanisms. Nurses play a vital role in blood glucose monitoring, medication timing, and educating patients on the signs of low blood sugar.

Key nursing concepts

• Insulin is required for Type 1 diabetics and some Type 2 diabetics.
• Rapid-acting insulins have a quick onset and require immediate food intake.
• Long-acting insulins provide a basal rate and cannot be mixed with others.
• Oral hypoglycemics like metformin work by decreasing glucose production in the liver.
• Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency requiring rapid glucose replacement.
• Hyperglycemia may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis if left untreated.

Important nursing considerations

• Always verify the blood glucose level before administering any insulin.
• Ensure the patient has a meal tray available when giving rapid-acting insulin.
• Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
• Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia such as shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
• Check hemoglobin A1c levels to evaluate long-term glycemic control.
• Hold metformin before and 48 hours after procedures involving IV contrast dye.

Patient teaching

• Carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrate at all times.
• Perform daily foot inspections to check for injury or infection.
• Understand how to use a glucose meter and record results.
• Understand that illness or stress can increase the need for insulin.

Related practice questions

Real questions from the NursGuru bank, each with the answer and rationale.

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Diabetes Medications flashcards

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