print friendly page

Using insulin

       

What is insulin?

Insulin is a hormone released by a group of cells in the pancreas called islet cells. It sends a message to the body cells allowing glucose (energy) to enter.

All cells need glucose for energy and without insulin; the energy contained in glucose (sugar) cannot get into the cells. If this energy can’t be utilised the body will ‘starve’.

Think of insulin as a key, which unlocks the door of a cell to let glucose (energy) in.
 
Why can’t I take an insulin tablet?
   
Insulin is a protein and if swallowed it would be broken down (digested) by the acid in the stomach and enzymes found in the gut. This is why insulin is given by injection.
   
What are the different types of insulin?

Numerous insulins, insulin mixtures, insulin pens with cartridges and disposable pens are now available.

In recent years the commonly used insulin preparations were known as soluble (short acting) or isophane (longer acting). Many people use these conventional insulins, which are injected 15 to 20 minutes before a meal. Ready mixed combinations of these isophane and soluble insulins are available and usually injected twice daily (bi-phasic).

They can also be used singly in what is called a basal / bolus regime; that is one injection of longer acting isophane (basal) usually at night with short acting soluble insulin injected before meals.

Today new insulin compounds called insulin analogues are increasingly being used and are available in ultra-fast acting (taken with meals) and long acting (taken once daily). These preparations differ from the conventional insulin preparations in that they act quickly and for shorter periods (in the case of the fast acting) or have a more prolonged action for up to 24 hours.

Analogue preparations available are:

 

Ultra-fast acting

  • Humalog® (insulin lispro)
  • Novorapid® (insulin aspart)
  • Apidra® (insulin glulisine)

 

Long acting

  • Lantus® (insulin glargine)
  • Levemir® (insulin detemir)

 

Mixtures

  • Humalog® Mix 25
  • Humalog® Mix 50
  • Novorapid® 30