IV Insulin Protocol

Insulin is a protein within the body that regulates glucose and breaks down carbohydrates. When giving insulin intravenously, there is always a special protocol for different situations so the patient does not receive too much or too little insulin when needed. If the patient was to receive too much, he could pass out from his blood sugar dropping dangerously low.

Starting Insulin

• According to insulin protocol, properly beginning insulin is very imperative for the diabetic patient.

  The first factor of IV insulin protocol is beginning insulin for the patient. Insulin should be started when glucose is above average range. Average range for normal glucose is 70 to 110 milligrams per deciliter; anything above this is considered hyperglycemic unless associated with a temporary increase after eating a meal, followed by a quick return to normal levels. Standard IV drip is 100 units per 100 milliliters of 0.9% Sodium Chloride according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Patient Monitoring

• Capillary glucose testing should be performed every hour until the target range is desired.

  The next factor in IV insulin protocol is patient monitoring. All patients should have finger sticks every hour until target glucose range is attained for 4 hours. Critical patients should be monitored hourly, even if glucose range is stable.

Discontinuation

• IV insulin should be stopped only when a physician orders the discontinue.

  IV insulin should be discontinued in certain circumstances according to protocol. When a patient has no history of diabetes and is receiving less than 1 unit per hour, insulin should be discontinued. The physician should be notified when a hypoglycemic patient has not resolved after administration of dextrose 50% in water (D50W) administered intravenously.