Final answer:
Medical assistants in California can mix and administer NPH and regular insulin under proper supervision. Recombinant DNA technology enables the production of human insulin, which has improved the safety and effectiveness of diabetes management compared to animal-derived insulin.
Step-by-step explanation:
In California, medical assistants are allowed to mix and administer insulin, including NPH insulin and regular insulin, under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. This is part of a medical assistant's scope of practice as long as they have received the proper training and their supervising healthcare provider has given them the authority to perform these tasks. Medical assistants play a crucial role in patient care by performing clinical tasks, including administering medications like insulin, which is vital for diabetes management.
The technology that makes it possible for diabetic patients to purchase human insulin from a pharmacist is recombinant DNA technology. Insulin produced through this technology is identical to human insulin which reduces the risk of allergic reactions and other complications compared to animal-derived insulins used in the past. The capability to produce insulin that closely mimics natural human insulin leads to better management of blood glucose levels and improves the quality of life for diabetic patients.