Insulin lispro

A rapid-acting insulin analog used in diabetes management

Insulin lispro
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Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog used in the management of diabetes mellitus. It is designed to mimic the body's natural insulin response to meals, providing a quick onset of action to control postprandial blood glucose levels. Insulin lispro is commonly used in both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control.

Structure and Mechanism of Action

Insulin lispro is a modified form of human insulin, where the amino acids at positions 28 and 29 on the B chain are reversed. This modification results in a reduced tendency to form hexamers, allowing insulin lispro to be absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream following subcutaneous injection.

The primary action of insulin lispro is to facilitate the uptake of glucose by muscle and adipose tissue, while inhibiting glucose production by the liver. This helps to lower blood glucose levels after meals.

Pharmacokinetics

Insulin lispro has a rapid onset of action, typically within 15 minutes of administration, with a peak effect occurring at approximately 30 to 90 minutes. The duration of action is relatively short, lasting about 3 to 5 hours. This pharmacokinetic profile makes it suitable for use in insulin pumps and for bolus dosing at mealtimes.

Clinical Use

Insulin lispro is used in the management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is often administered in conjunction with a long-acting insulin to provide basal insulin coverage. The rapid action of insulin lispro makes it particularly useful for controlling postprandial glucose spikes.

Administration

Insulin lispro is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. It can be injected into the abdomen, thigh, buttocks, or upper arm. The injection site should be rotated to prevent lipodystrophy.

Side Effects

Common side effects of insulin lispro include hypoglycemia, injection site reactions, and weight gain. Hypoglycemia is the most significant risk and can occur if the insulin dose is too high relative to food intake or physical activity.

Advantages

The rapid onset and short duration of action of insulin lispro provide several advantages, including improved postprandial glucose control and greater flexibility in meal timing. It also reduces the risk of late postprandial hypoglycemia compared to regular human insulin.

Related pages

• Insulin therapy
• Diabetes management
• Insulin analog
• Hypoglycemia