Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. Insulin therapy is used to treat individuals with diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Insulin therapy helps to regulate blood sugar levels by replacing or supplementing the body's own insulin.
Insulin therapy is indicated for the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a condition where the body does not produce insulin, and type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body cannot use insulin effectively.
Dosage:
Here are the dosages of different types of insulin:
Rapid-acting insulin:
Insulin lispro (Humalog): 5-15 minutes before meals
Insulin aspart (NovoLog): 5-15 minutes before meals
Insulin glulisine (Apidra): 5-15 minutes before meals
Short-acting insulin:
Regular insulin (Humulin R, Novolin R): 30 minutes before meals
Intermediate-acting insulin:
NPH insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N): 1-2 times a day, with or without meals
Long-acting insulin:
Insulin glargine (Lantus, Toujeo): once a day, at the same time each day
Insulin detemir (Levemir): once or twice a day, with or without meals
Combination insulin:
Humalog mix 75/25: 15 minutes before meals
NovoLog mix 70/30: 5-15 minutes before meals
Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30: 30 minutes before meals
Content
U-100 (100 units/mL): This is the standard concentration of insulin used in most insulin products.
U-500 (500 units/mL): This is a concentrated form of insulin that is used for people with severe insulin resistance who requires high doses of insulin.
Pregnancy
No Evidence of Harm
Stability
Antidiabetic Agent
Contra Indications
Contraindications include hypoglycemia unawareness, allergies to insulin, and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Precautions
Contraindications include hypoglycemia unawareness, allergies to insulin, and diabetic ketoacidosis.
Lactation
No Evidence of Harm
Side Effects
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching