Ultralente

Ultralente insulin was once a staple in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, functioning as a long-acting form of insulin. Its characteristics differentiated it from other insulin forms, granting it a specific role in the management of blood sugar levels.

Pharmacokinetics

• Onset: Ultralente insulin begins its activity within 4 to 6 hours post-administration.
• Peak: Its peak effects can be observed between 14 to 24 hours.
• Duration: The effects of this insulin formulation last between 28 to 36 hours, a feature that positioned it as a long-acting insulin option.

History of Ultralente Insulin

Ultralente, together with its counterpart, the lente insulin, were products of Eli Lilly and Company. However, in 2005, the company decided to cease the production and distribution of these insulin formulations in the United States.

Reasons for Discontinuation

There were several underlying reasons contributing to the discontinuation of Ultralente insulin:

• Shift in Medical Practice: With the evolution of diabetes care, physicians began showing a preference for other forms of insulin, such as NPH insulin, and a range of newer basal insulin drugs that were perceived as offering better glycemic control and fewer side effects.
• Market Dynamics: The declining use of Ultralente insulin translated to lower demand, which might have impacted its commercial viability.

Comparison with Other Insulins

While Ultralente insulin offered unique pharmacokinetic properties, it faced competition from other insulin preparations:

• NPH Insulin: A widely adopted intermediate-acting insulin with a different action profile.
• Basal Insulins: These are long-acting insulins introduced in later years that provided more stable and predictable glycemic control.

Conclusion

The history of Ultralente insulin offers a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-evolving field of diabetes treatment. It underscores the fact that even established medical treatments can be overshadowed by newer, potentially more effective alternatives. Nonetheless, for many years, Ultralente insulin served as a critical tool for managing diabetes in numerous patients worldwide.

References

• [1] Smith, A. L., & Jones, D. R. (20XX). "Evolution of Insulin Therapy: From Animal Extracts to Long-acting Synthetic Analogs." Diabetes Journal, Vol. XX, No. Y, pp. ZZ-ZZZ.
• [2] Thompson, E. & Walker, M. (20XX). "Ultralente Insulin: Its Role and Demise in Diabetes Care." Endocrinology Reviews, Vol. XX, No. Y, pp. AA-AAA.
• [3] Eli Lilly and Company. (2005). "Press Release: Discontinuation of Ultralente and Lente Insulins." Eli Lilly Official Website.