What is a primary indication for insulin?

Study for the HFHS Inpatient Nursing Pharmacology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Insulin is primarily indicated for the management of Type 1 diabetes. In this condition, the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to little or no insulin production. As insulin is a crucial hormone for regulating blood glucose levels, individuals with Type 1 diabetes require exogenous insulin to manage their blood sugar effectively and prevent acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

While insulin may also be used in Type 2 diabetes, especially in advanced cases or when other oral medications are insufficient, the mainstay treatment for Type 2 often starts with lifestyle modifications and oral hypoglycemics. Hypertension is not treated with insulin, as high blood pressure is managed through other classes of medications. Similarly, hypoglycemia, which is a state of low blood sugar, would not warrant insulin administration; instead, it requires the administration of glucose or carbohydrates to raise blood sugar levels.

Thus, the primary indication for insulin is to substitute for the lack of endogenous insulin production in Type 1 diabetes, making it essential for managing this condition.

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