Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Novolin Ge NPH (Insulin-human-nph).
Allergic reactions: If you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or itchy skin rash), stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention.
Appearance of insulin: The contents of the vial of NPH insulin should be cloudy and white. Do not use the insulin if it looks lumpy or grainy, seems unusually thick, sticks to the bottle or vial, or appears discoloured. Do not use the insulin if it contains crystals or if the bottle or vial looks frosted, or if the suspension remains clear after being rolled between your hands.
Blood glucose monitoring: It is important for anyone using insulin to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, as recommended by their doctor or diabetes educator. It is especially important to test blood glucose more often when your insulin dose or schedule changes, or when you are ill or under stress. If blood tests consistently show high or low blood glucose levels, contact your doctor or diabetes educator.
Changes at injection site: Fatty tissue under the skin at the injection site may shrink or thicken if you inject yourself too often at the same site. To help avoid this effect, change the site with each injection. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator if you notice your skin pitting or thickening at the injection site.
Changes in insulin requirements: Many things can affect blood glucose levels and insulin requirements. These include:
- certain medical conditions (e.g., infections, Thyroid conditions, or kidney or liver disease)
- certain medications that increase or decrease blood glucose levels
- diet
- exercise
- illness
- injury
- stress
- surgery
- travelling over time zones
It is important your doctor know your current health situation and any changes that may affect the amount of insulin you need. Blood glucose should be monitored regularly as recommended by your doctor or diabetes educator.
Diabetes identification: It is important to either wear a bracelet (or necklace) or carry a card indicating you have diabetes and are taking insulin.
Family and friends: Educate your family and friends about the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). Keep a Glucagon kit available and instruct them on its proper use in case you experience severe low blood glucose and you lose consciousness.
Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia): Hypoglycemia may occur if too much insulin is used, if meals are missed, or if you exercise more than usual. Symptoms of mild to moderate hypoglycemia may occur suddenly and can include cold sweat, nervousness or shakiness, fast heartbeat, headache, hunger, confusion, lightheadedness, weakness, and numbness or tingling (tongue, lips, or fingers). Mild to moderate hypoglycemia may be treated by eating foods or drinks that contain sugar. People taking insulin should always carry a quick source of sugar, such as hard candies, glucose tablets, juice, or regular soft drinks (not diet soft drinks).
Signs of severe hypoglycemia can include disorientation, loss of consciousness, and seizures. People who are unable to take sugar by mouth or who are unconscious may require an injection of glucagon or treatment with intravenous (into the vein) glucose.
Pregnancy: It is essential to maintain good blood glucose control throughout pregnancy. Insulin requirements usually decrease during the first trimester and increase during the second and third trimesters. Therefore, contact your doctor if you are pregnant or are thinking about pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: Breast-feeding mothers may require adjustments in insulin dose or diet.
Seniors: To avoid low blood glucose, your doctor may recommend that you use lower doses of insulin.
