FACTS ABOUT INSULIN

sulin is an hormone secreted by the pancreas which helps in the conversion of excess body glucose into a storage form (glycogen). The antagonist of insulin is known as glucagon / glycogenase

Any alteration in the normal level of blood glucose causes several dysfunctions in the body.

A synthetic form of insulin is administered to individuals with low insulin in the body, because it results to excess l glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia), which is one of the major manifestations of Diabetes Mellitus.

Insulin is classified under the following points.

Onset of action: Time taken for insulin to reach the bloodstream or to start work.

Peak of action:  Time taken for insulin to be most effective or kick into full/strongest effect.

Duration of action: Time taken for insulin to work in the body or stay in the body before being eliminated.

Types

1. Rapid-acting insulin

Examples include: Humalog (insulin lispro), Novolog (insulin aspart) and Apidra (insulin glulisine)

Onset: 15 minutes
Peak: 1 hour
Duration: 3 hours

2. Short-acting insulin

All REGULAR insulin are short-acting. They are usually marked with "R". Examples are: Humulin R, Novolin R

Onset: 30 minutes
Peak: 2 hours
Duration: 8 hours

3. Intermediate insulin

This type of insulin has a CLOUDY appearance. They are usually marked "N". Examples include: Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH), Humulin N, Novolin N

Onset: 2 hours
Peak: 8 hours
Duration: 16 hours

4. Long-acting insulin

Examples are Lantus (insulin Glargine) and Levemir (insulin Detemir)

Onset: 2 hours
Peak: No peak
Duration: 24 hours