Human insulin

Information about Human insulin

Human insulin Uses

Human insulin is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2).

How Human insulin works

Human insulin is a short-acting insulin, which starts working within 30 minutes after injection. It works similar to the insulin produced by the body. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver.

Common side effects of Human insulin

Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Weight gain, Edema (swelling), Injection site reaction
CONTENT DETAILS
Written By
Dr. Betina Chandolia
MDS, BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated
09 Jul 2020 | 08:05 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Human insulin

Human ActrapidNovo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
₹1781 variant(s)
Huminsulin REli Lilly and Company India Pvt Ltd
₹174 to ₹5393 variant(s)
Actrapid HMNovo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
₹385 to ₹19292 variant(s)
Insugen-RBiocon
₹178 to ₹5183 variant(s)
ActrapidNovo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
₹390 to ₹28493 variant(s)
Lupisulin RLupin Ltd
₹178 to ₹3682 variant(s)
Wosulin-RWockhardt Ltd
₹178 to ₹7047 variant(s)
Human MonotardNovo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
₹144 to ₹4102 variant(s)
Recosulin RShreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
₹1471 variant(s)
HumarapCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
₹1781 variant(s)

Expert advice for Human insulin

  • Take it 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side-effect. Learn how to identify and manage its symptoms (sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, headache) and teach your family as well.
  • Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
  • Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
  • Opened vials/cartridges are good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator  (2°C–8°C).

Frequently asked questions for Human insulin

Human insulin

Q. Is Human insulin safe to use in type 2 diabetes?

Yes, insulin is safe to use in type 2 diabetes if used according to your doctor's advice. Keep monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly as advised. Your dosage may need to be adjusted as per your needs. Follow the lifestyle changes as advised by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about the side effects and ways to prevent and manage them.

Q. Will I need Human insulin for the rest of my life?

If you are a type 1 diabetes patient, then yes, you have to take Human insulin for the rest of your life because your body is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Therefore, you would need Human insulin as an external source of insulin. However, if you are a type 2 diabetes patient, sometimes your doctor may ask you to stop Human insulin if you are able to manage your diabetes with proper exercise, diet and oral medicines.

Q. Can Human insulin be used with other diabetes medicine?

Yes, Human insulin can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines like long-acting insulin or oral diabetes medicines, along with proper diet and exercise. Follow your doctor’s advice and treatment plan to get the maximum benefit.

Q. Does Human insulin need to be refrigerated?

Human insulin needs to be refrigerated before its first use. Unopened cartridges and unused pre-filled pens of Humalog must be stored in a refrigerator where the temperature is between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze and do not use Human insulin if it has been frozen. When the cartridge has been inserted into the injection pen, it should not be refrigerated and should be kept at room temperature, below 86°F (30°C) and must be used within 28 days or be discarded, even if they still contain Human insulin.

Q. What is Human insulin? How is it made?

Human insulin is a man-made version of human insulin, produced by the process of biotechnology called recombinant DNA technology. It is sold as a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution that contains insulin aspart along with other constituents like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, sodium chloride etc.

Q. Can Human insulin cause hypoglycemia? How do I prevent it?

Yes, the most common side effect of Human insulin is hypoglycemia. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, do not skip meals and be consistent in the timing and amount of your meals. Take some snacks as per your requirement if you over exercise. Regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some sugary candies, glucose/glucon-D or fruit juice with you. Take all the medicines prescribed by the doctor on time and consult your doctor if you notice any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.

Q. What are the side effects of Human insulin? How to prevent them?

The side effects of Human insulin are injection site reactions such as redness, itching, pain and swelling. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Rarely, it can also cause lipodystrophy, which means abnormal changes in the fat tissues due to repeated insulin injections in the same area of the skin. It includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), and may affect insulin absorption. Rotate insulin injection or infusion sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy.

Q. How should Human insulin be used?

Human insulin is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will show you the area of your skin where you should inject it. Try not to inject on the same spot every time. Rotate between the typical injection sites, such as abdomen, buttocks, upper legs or upper arms. Never inject Humalog into a muscle or vein. Move to a new injection site every week or two. Inject in the same area of the body, making sure to move around within that area with each injection, for one or two weeks. You can then move to another area of your body and repeat the process. Use the same area for at least a week to avoid extreme blood sugar variations.

Q. Is Human insulin given as an injection into a vein (intravenous)?

Yes, sometimes, in specific situations like diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hyperglycemia etc, Human insulin may be given as an injection into a vein (intravenous). However, in such cases, it is only given by a doctor, under continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels in a hospital setting.

Q. Is Human insulin safe to use in pregnancy?

Yes. Human insulin is safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding before using Human insulin. You may require dose modifications and your doctor will advise you to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. You must follow the instructions of your doctor to get maximum benefits.

Q. When does the dosage of Human insulin need to be changed?

You should consult your doctor for dose adjustment if you experience weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, changes in diet such as missed meals or if you are taking alcohol. Your dose may also change if you have recently changed your exercise regime or are taking any medicines. Also, you must be vigilant for certain side effects that you may experience while using Human insulin. Your doctor will tell you ways to prevent them. These side effects are usually temporary but if they are very severe, you may need dose modifications.

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