Patient was educated on the side effects of rapid-action insulins as follows:
- Weight gain
- This is secondary to the anabolic effect of insulin administration and can result from increased calorie intake over time.
- Hypokalemia
- Insulin has the property of shifting potassium from the blood into the cells.
- The chances for this shift increase with higher doses of insulin.
- Be aware of symptoms of hypokalemia, such as, fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling and numbness in the extremities, chest discomfort, and palpitations.
- Lipodystrophy
- This is an effect secondary to repeated insulin shots administered for prolonged period.
- Thickening of adipose tissue can occur at the site of repeated insulin administration, which can affect absorption of insulin over time.
- This can lead to a poor response to insulin administered and poor control of blood sugars.
- Rotation of insulin administration sites can help prevent this side effect from developing.
