Types of insulin, Different types of insulin, Short acting insulin, Long acting insulin

Summary

This video explains the role of insulin in regulating blood glucose levels and how different types of insulin are used to manage diabetes. It describes the main insulin types: fast-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin, highlighting their onset, peak, and duration of action. Fast-acting insulin helps control blood sugar during meals, intermediate-acting insulin manages levels overnight and between meals, and long-acting insulin provides stable, all-day control. The video also covers insulin concentration and delivery methods, emphasizing its importance in diabetes care.

Takeaways

• 💉 Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate glucose levels in the body by moving glucose from the blood into cells for energy.
• 📉 In cases where insulin is not taken or doesn't work as it should, diabetes can occur, requiring insulin medication to manage blood glucose levels.
• ⏳ Insulin is categorized based on onset (how quickly it acts), peak (time to maximum effect), duration (how long it lasts), concentration, and route of delivery (injected or intravenous).
• ⚡ Fast-acting insulin, such as insulin aspart, lispro, and glulisine, works within 5-15 minutes, peaks in 1-2 hours, and lasts 4-6 hours.
• 🩸 Regular human insulin (short-acting insulin) takes 30-60 minutes to start working, peaks in 2-4 hours, and lasts 6-8 hours. It is the only type used intravenously for conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
• 🌙 Intermediate-acting insulin, like NPH human insulin, is absorbed more slowly, peaks in 4-6 hours, and lasts over 12 hours. It is used for controlling blood sugar overnight and between meals.
• 🔄 Pre-mixed insulin combines NPH with either regular human insulin or rapid-acting insulin analogs, providing both short and intermediate effects.
• ⏲️ Long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine and detemir, has a slow onset (1.5-2 hours) and provides a flat effect for 12-24 hours to manage blood sugar between meals and overnight.
• 🔬 In the U.S., most insulin is sold at a concentration of 100 units per ml, but other concentrations are available abroad.
• 💡 Long-acting insulin is particularly useful for maintaining stable blood glucose levels over an extended period, helping to manage diabetes more effectively.

Q & A

What is insulin and its primary function in the body?

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate glucose levels by moving glucose from the blood into the body's cells, where it is used as fuel. Any excess glucose is stored in the liver, muscles, and fat cells.

What happens when the body does not produce or respond to insulin properly?

When the body doesn't produce or respond to insulin properly, this condition is called diabetes. In such cases, insulin medication is required to manage blood glucose levels.

How are different types of insulin categorized?

Insulin types are categorized based on their onset (how quickly they act), peak (time to achieve maximum impact), duration (how long they last), concentration, and route of delivery.

What is the most common concentration of insulin available in the U.S.?

In the U.S., insulin is commonly available at a concentration of 100 units per milliliter (U-100).

What are the main types of fast-acting insulin, and how do they differ?

Fast-acting insulin includes rapid-acting insulin analogs (insulin aspart, lispro, glulisine) and regular human insulin. Rapid-acting insulin has an onset of 5-15 minutes and lasts 4-6 hours, while regular insulin has an onset of 30-60 minutes and lasts 6-8 hours.

When is regular human insulin commonly used intravenously?

Regular human insulin is used intravenously in situations like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or to treat hypokalemia, as it is the only insulin that can be administered this way.

What is intermediate-acting insulin, and what is its primary use?

Intermediate-acting insulin, like NPH human insulin, is absorbed more slowly and lasts longer. It is primarily used to control blood sugar overnight, during fasting, and between meals.

What is pre-mixed insulin, and how does it work?

Pre-mixed insulin combines NPH (intermediate-acting) insulin with either regular human insulin or a rapid-acting insulin analog. Its action profile is a combination of short and intermediate insulin effects.

What makes long-acting insulin different from other types?

Long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine and detemir, has a slow absorption rate, a minimal peak effect, and provides a stable, long-lasting effect (12-24 hours). It is used to control blood sugar between meals and overnight.

What is the duration of action for long-acting insulin types like insulin glargine and detemir?

Insulin glargine has a duration of action of about 24 hours, while insulin detemir lasts 12 to 24 hours, depending on the dosage.