Question

A 45-year-old gentleman comes to see you for advice on starting medications for his high sugars:
What are the types of Insulin available? Write briefly about them.

Hint:

Rapid-acting insulins are ideal for meal-time glucose control, while long-acting insulins provide a steady baseline insulin level.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding insulin types.
Insulin is used to control blood glucose in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is classified based on its onset, peak, and duration of action.

Step 2: Explanation of the insulin types.
- Rapid-Acting Insulin: These insulins have a very quick onset (within 15 minutes) and are used to control blood glucose levels during meals. Examples include Insulin Lispro and Insulin Aspart.
- Short-Acting Insulin (Regular Insulin): Regular insulin is taken 30 minutes before meals and has a moderate onset of action. It helps control blood sugar during and after meals.
- Intermediate-Acting Insulin (NPH Insulin): NPH insulin has a slower onset and longer duration of action, often used to provide basal insulin coverage.
- Long-Acting Insulin (Insulin Glargine, Insulin Detemir): These insulins provide a stable, basal level of insulin and have a long duration of action, up to 24 hours.
- Ultra Long-Acting Insulin (Insulin Degludec): This insulin has a prolonged duration of action beyond 24 hours, offering flexibility in dosing time.
- Premixed Insulin: This is a combination of rapid or short-acting insulin and intermediate-acting insulin, providing both basal and bolus insulin coverage in one injection.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The choice of insulin depends on the patient's individual needs, lifestyle, and blood glucose control targets. Insulin therapy can be tailored using various types to achieve optimal glucose control.