Synthetic insulin

Synthetic Insulin

Synthetic insulin is a man-made form of the hormone insulin that is used to treat diabetes mellitus, including both Type 1 and Type 2. Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas that allows the body to use glucose from carbohydrates in the food for energy or to store glucose for future use. Insulin helps keeps the blood sugar level from getting too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia).

History

The discovery of insulin in the early 1920s by Frederick Banting and Charles Best was a landmark event in the treatment of diabetes. Initially, insulin was extracted from the pancreases of cattle and pigs. However, this form of insulin could cause allergic reactions in some patients and had other limitations. The development of synthetic insulin in the 1960s through recombinant DNA technology was a significant breakthrough. This allowed for the production of human insulin in laboratory conditions, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and providing a more consistent product.

Types of Synthetic Insulin

There are several types of synthetic insulin, each designed to work at different speeds and for different lengths of time. These include:

• Rapid-acting insulin: Begins to work within a few minutes and lasts for a couple of hours, ideal for controlling blood sugar levels during meals.
• Short-acting insulin: Takes about 30 minutes to start working and lasts for 3 to 6 hours, also used for mealtime blood sugar control.
• Intermediate-acting insulin: Begins to work within 1 to 2 hours and lasts for 12 to 18 hours, suitable for maintaining blood sugar levels throughout the day.
• Long-acting insulin: Starts working several hours after injection and lasts for about 24 hours, providing a steady level of insulin to manage blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.

Production

Synthetic insulin is produced using recombinant DNA technology. This involves inserting the human insulin gene into bacteria or yeast, which then produce insulin that can be harvested, purified, and used for treatment. This method allows for large-scale production of insulin that is identical to the insulin produced by the human body.

Benefits

The use of synthetic insulin has several benefits over animal-derived insulin, including:

• Reduced risk of allergic reactions and other side effects.
• More consistent absorption and action, leading to better control of blood sugar levels.
• Elimination of ethical concerns related to the use of animal products.

Challenges

Despite its benefits, the use of synthetic insulin presents challenges, including:

• The need for careful dosing and monitoring to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
• The cost of synthetic insulin, which can be prohibitive for some patients.

Conclusion

Synthetic insulin has revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, providing a more effective and safer alternative to animal-derived insulin. Ongoing research and development aim to further improve the efficacy and accessibility of synthetic insulin for people with diabetes around the world.