Nursing Teaching on Side Effects of Humulin N Use

Nurse educated the patient and caregiver on the side effects of using Humulin N as follows:

1. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia happens to be the most common side effect with Humulin N. The risk for this complication multiplies with the patient being noncompliant with the time of Humulin N administration, stacking up the doses of insulin too close, and highly irregular eating habits with improper mealtimes. During the episode of hypoglycemia, patients can present with dizziness, headache, hunger, sweating, weakness, irritability, tremors, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, and loss of consciousness. In severe cases of hypoglycemia, patients can present with seizures and coma, as well.
2. Inflammation at the site of injection: Patient can also present with other side effects of Humulin N injections, such as, pain, redness, or swelling of the skin at the injection site.
3. Increased appetite: This is secondary to the anabolic effect of Humulin N administration and can result in increased calorie intake over time.
4. Weight gain: This is secondary to the anabolic effect of Humulin N administration and can result from increased calorie intake over time.
5. Lipodystrophy: This is an effect secondary to repeated Humulin N 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 Humulin N administered and poor control of blood sugars. Rotation of insulin administration sites can help prevent this side effect from developing.
6. Hypokalemia: Humulin N has the property of shifting potassium from the blood into the cells. The chances for this shift increases with higher doses of Humulin N. Be aware of symptoms of hypokalemia, such as, fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling and numbness in the extremities, chest discomfort, and palpitations.