Insulin is considered a hormone that is responsible for getting glucose into the blood cells, providing them with the energy to function. The lack of effective insulin plays a key role in the development of diabetes. This can lead to complications. The classification of insulins in pharmacology and treatment divides drugs into different categories of properties depending on duration and type of origin.
Hormones are chemical vehicles that instruct certain cells or tissues to act in the way they need to, maintaining a specific function in the body. Insulin is essential for survival.
Basic definition
The hormone insulin is needed to control blood sugar and absorb energy. This substance is a chemical messenger that allows cells to absorb glucose, as well as sugar from the blood. The classification of insulins contains various groups of drugs. They are necessary for the selection of the right treatment.
The pancreas is the organ that is the main source of insulin in the body. Clusters of cells in the pancreas, called islets, produce the hormone anddetermine the amount based on the blood glucose in the body.
The higher this mark, the more insulin enters the production to balance the amount of incoming sugar in the blood. Insulin also helps in the breakdown of fats or proteins for energy.
The delicate balance of insulin regulates blood sugar and many processes in the body. If insulin levels are too low or too high, excessively high, negative symptoms may begin to appear. If the condition of low or high sugar continues, serious he alth problems may appear.
Major hormonal problems
In some people, the immune systems attack the islets in the pancreas and they stop producing insulin or don't produce enough. When this happens, glucose remains in the blood and the cells cannot absorb it to convert the sugar into energy. This is how type 1 diabetes appears, and a person with this type of disease will need regular injections of insulin to survive. The degree and nature of the disease may vary.
There are different groups of substances in the classification of insulins. Depending on the type of disease, they help to cope with the breakdown of glucose to varying degrees.
In some people, especially those who are overweight, obese or inactive, insulin is inefficient at transporting glucose into cells and unable to do its job. The inability of this hormone to exert its effect on tissues is called resistance toinsulin.
Type 2 diabetes will develop when the islets in the pancreas cannot produce the hormone to overcome the threshold of insulin resistance. Since the early 20th century, doctors have been able to isolate insulin and administer it in an injectable form to supplement the hormone for people who cannot produce it themselves or who have increased resistance.
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition in which the body loses the ability to produce a needed hormone or becomes less efficient at making or using insulin, resulting in too high glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
This higher than normal rate can damage your eyes, kidneys and nerves over time, as well as cause heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic disease worldwide. The main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2 and gestational subtypes.
For diabetes
The hormone insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. The main task of the substance is to deliver glucose from our bloodstream to the body for energy production. If you don't have enough insulin, sugar builds up in your blood instead of being converted. Special tools are required to solve the problem. The current classification of insulins contains the necessary list of drugs. Their specific type is prescribed only by the attending physician.
In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce the substance, so it must be injected regularly every day to stay alive. In type 2 diabetes, a person does not producesufficient amount of insulin, or the resulting hormone does not work properly. Injections of such a substance are sometimes necessary to control blood glucose levels. With diabetes mellitus, long-acting insulin can be successfully treated. However, these drugs are only therapeutic.
Treatment
People with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin every day, often up to four or five times a day. They may use a special device to deliver the substance. To do this, a new cannula (a very thin plastic tube) is inserted under the skin every two to three days. Sometimes people with type 2 diabetes also need to start using insulin when diet, exercise, and pills can no longer effectively control blood glucose levels. It is important to decide on the medicine here. The classification of insulin preparations has the necessary categories of substances. They are mainly divided by duration and origin.
Having to start an injection can be intimidating. However, injecting insulin is much easier than most people think. Various devices can be used to facilitate hormone delivery. The syringe needles are very good and thin, as are the cannulas. Often, people who need insulin feel much better when they begin to use this substance systematically.
If you need to start using this hormone, you should contact your doctor.
He will advise and help you:
- Determine the type and action of your insulin.
- How, where and when to enterdrug.
- How to prepare injection sites.
- Where to buy the drug and how to store it safely.
- How to deal with low blood glucose.
- How to keep track of he alth and insulin doses.
- Where to go for emergency help.
An important part of insulin correction is regular monitoring and recording of blood glucose levels.
It may take some time to safely reach the correct dose of the drug for you, and remember that dosages do not always remain the same throughout your life. Therefore, you need to visit your doctor regularly.
When you start using insulin, it's important to get tested by an accredited dietitian practitioner to understand how carbohydrates and the hormone work together. This is a necessary practice.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you will learn how to count carbohydrates and match insulin with the food you eat. This is the perfect way to manage diabetes. Therefore, insulin doses during meals may vary depending on the amount and timing of the drug consumption.
Basic types
Fast and short-acting insulin helps lower blood glucose levels with meals, while an intermediate or long-acting insulin helps manage overall body needs. Both help monitor levels and vital signs. This classification of insulin preparations is the most common. However, there are other types.
Insulin is grouped by how long it works in the body. Five differentHormone types range from fast-acting to long-acting. Some types of insulin appear clear while others are cloudy. Ask your pharmacist if the drug you are taking should be pure or thicker.
Before injecting cloudy insulin through a cartridge pen or syringe, gently swirl it around in your hand to make sure it is evenly mixed (until it turns milky). Often people need both a fast-acting and a long-acting drug. All cases are not similar to each other, and solutions to them are applied in different combinations.
Insulins currently available for use are generally classified based on their predicted onset and duration of action, as shown below.
General classifications:
- Quick-acting analog.
- Short action or neutral.
- Medium or long acting.
- Mixed.
- Similar to mixed.
- Long-term equivalent.
- Extra-long analogue.
Analogues are insulins in which the natural amino acid sequence has been modified to speed up or slow down the action compared to natural insulin. Please note that the brand names of drug products may differ internationally.
Fast analog
Classification of insulins by origin starts with fast-acting analogues. Let's start with them. In all dosages, the volume of liquid is 1 ml=100 units of insulin (U100).
These are preparations in which the natural amino acid sequence has been modified to act faster than natural insulin.
Key features:
- Must be taken immediately before or with a meal.
- Begins action within 15 minutes.
- Duration of action 3-5 hours.
- The duration of action may vary depending on human physiology.
Types of short insulins:
- Aspart (available as NovoRapid or, in the new fast-acting Fiasp form).
- Lispro (Humalog).
- Glulisine (Apidra).
Fast-acting insulin and the types of insulin listed above are commonly used and prescribed by physicians. Although the effect is not long-lasting, the effect comes quickly enough.
Short action or neutral
The classification of insulins by origin also includes neutral preparations.
Key features:
- All should be taken 20-30 minutes before meals.
- Begins action within 30 minutes.
- Duration of action 6-8 hours.
- Dosage is calculated individually.
Types of short-acting and neutral insulin:
- Derived from cows (Hypurin Bovine Neutral).
- Derived from pigs (Hypurine).
- Human insulin (Actrapid, Humulin S, Insuman Rapid).
Medium or long acting
Mainthe category of use of drugs is medium. The classification of insulins by duration of action includes drugs obtained not only from humans, but also from animals.
Characteristics of drugs:
- Must be taken 30 minutes before meals or sleep.
- Begins action within 30-60 minutes.
- Duration of action 12-18 hours.
- The dosage is calculated separately for each.
Medium and long action types:
- Human insulin (Insulatard, Humulin, Insuman Basal).
- Derived from cows (Hypurin Bovine Isophane, Hypurin Bovine Lente, PZI Hypurin).
- Derived from pigs (Hypurin Porcine Isophane).
These types of insulin are most often prescribed by doctors. Each category of drugs has a high response with a long course of treatment. The inhibited substance is well tolerated by various groups of people.
Mixed
Classification of insulins by duration of action additionally includes the type of mixed effect. This is usually a mixture of short and intermediate acting hormones in one injection.
Characteristics of drugs:
- All should be taken 20-30 minutes before meals.
- Begins action within 30-60 minutes.
- Duration of action 12-14 hours.
- Individual dosage calculation.
Types of "mixed" drugs:
- Human insulin 30% short acting (Humulin M3).
- Derived from pigs, 30% short acting (Hypurin Porcine 30/70).
- Human insulin 25% short acting (Insuman Rapid GT 25).
- Human insulin 50% short acting (Insuman Rapid GT 50).
Analogue mixed
The choice of drugs is large. Many countries have their own drugs. When considering what types of insulin exist, you should familiarize yourself with non-targeted drugs. A mixture of a fast-acting hormone analogue and an intermediate in one injection. Considered a biphasic drug.
Specification:
- The drug must be taken before or with food.
- Begins action within 15-30 minutes.
- Duration of action 12-14 hours.
- The dosage is calculated by the doctor after receiving the patient's tests.
Types of "mixed analogue":
- Lispro (Humalog Mix 25, Humalog Mix 50).
- Aspart (Novomix 30).
- Mixed Aspart analogues available on the market.
Long-term equivalent
When answering the question about what types of insulin exist, long-term drugs are also noted. These are medicines in which the natural amino acid sequence has been modified to promote a slower action than with the natural hormone.
Features:
- Can be used once or twice a day as a long acting medicine. Can be taken anytime but daily.
- Begins action within 30-60 minutes.
- Duration 18-24hours.
- Dosage is determined by the doctor.
Types of long insulin:
- Glargine (Lantus).
- Detemir (Levemir).
Super-long analogue
Classification in the pharmacology of insulin preparations includes ultra-long samples.
Drug characteristics:
- Can be used as once a day or two to three times a week as long-acting insulin.
- Can be taken at any time, but at the same time daily.
- Begins action within 30-90 minutes.
- Duration of action up to 42 hours.
- Assigned after receiving blood test results.
Types of "extra-long" analogues are present in all preparations containing insulin degludec. Also, do not forget about the appointment of such groups of drugs. When considering which types of insulin are available for free prescriptions, it is important to indicate the current regulations in a particular region. The drug category is issued to type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Only the attending physician prescribes a specific type of free insulin. The subsidized drug can be of any type.
Injection devices
Various insulin delivery devices are available. The main choices are syringes, medical pens with cartridges and pumps. The choice of device depends on the type of disease, personal intolerance and physiological characteristics of patients.
Syringes
Each category of insulin has its own types of properties and differences. These factors also depend ontype of injection device used. Syringes are produced in quantities of 30 units (0.3 ml), 50 units (0.5 ml) and 100 units (1.0 ml). The size of the device needed will depend on the dose of insulin. For example, it is easier to measure a dose of 10 units in a 30 unit syringe and 55 units in a 100 unit syringe. Needles on syringes are available in lengths from 8 to 13 mm. It is usually up to the attending physician to decide what size syringe and needle is appropriate for the patient.
Insulin syringes are for single use only and are available free of charge in some countries. Most adults no longer use syringes to inject medication. They now use insulin pens for more convenience or special pumps. These are more modern injection solutions.
Pens
How many types of insulin, so many ways and devices for its use. This is necessary for better delivery of the drug to the body. Insulin companies have developed special pens (disposable and reusable) that are used with their own brand of the drug.
Disposable medicine pens already have a refilled cartridge. They are to be discarded after use or if unused and refrigerated for one month or when expired.
Reusable insulin pens require an insulin cartridge or penfill (3 ml containing 300 units). After use, such a device can be refilled with a pre-purchased cassette with the substance.
Pen cartridges also need to be recycledone month after the start of use, if the substance is still in the cartridge. The attending physician must consult and select the type of device necessary for the patient.
The needles for pens are disposable. They are screwed onto the injection devices. The needles are available in various lengths, from 4mm to 12.7mm. Their thickness also varies depending on the volume of the injected substance. It is important that a new needle is used for each injection.
Pumps
Statistics of different types of insulin shows that the use of pumps is increasing every year. Children usually use this type of device. An insulin pump is a small, programmable device that contains a reservoir of medication placed on the patient's body. Such a device is programmed to deliver a substance to the fatty tissue of the body (usually the abdominal cavity) through a thin plastic tube known as an infusion set or medication delivery set. The pump only uses fast-acting insulin.
The infusion set has a thin needle or flexible cannula that is inserted directly under the skin. It changes every two or three days. The pump is programmed to automatically deliver small amounts of insulin to keep blood glucose levels stable between meals. Patients can activate the device at each meal to dispense a dose of the substance, similar to the way the pancreas does in people without diabetes.
The insulin pump is not for everyone. If you plan to use it, you should first discuss this issue with your he althcare provider.doctor.
The cost of such equipment is much higher than the devices described above. All components are selected individually for the correct and comfortable administration of the drug.
Input places
Having considered the types of insulin and which is better, it is worth describing how to enter it, tips on how to do it correctly. The manual is small and suitable for each type of drug.
Tips for administering the drug under different circumstances to specific areas of the body:
- Inject into an area where there is exercise such as thighs or arms.
- If the body has a high temperature due to hot showers, baths, heating pads, spas or saunas, it is best to delay insertion until the patient has cooled down.
- Massage the area around the injection site before injection.
Be aware that injecting into muscle causes insulin to be absorbed faster, but this may result in too low a pressure drop.
Factors that delay drug absorption
Insulin absorption may be delayed in the following cases:
- Overuse of the same injection site, causing the area under the skin to become bumpy or scarred (known as hyperlipotrophy).
- Cold insulin (for example, if the drug is administered immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator).
- Smoking cigarettes constricts blood vessels and capillaries.
It is also best to leave high physical activity 30 minutes before the administration of the drug.
Disposal of used insulin syringes
Used syringes, pen needles, cannulas and lancets should be disposed of in a well-wrapped bag or disposable plastic container that is puncture-proof and has a secure lid. These containers are usually yellow in color and are available from pharmacies and convenience stores.
Drug storage
Insulin must be stored properly. Basic rules include:
- Storing unopened packaged insulin in the refrigerator.
- Maintain refrigerator temperature between 2 and 8°C.
- Make sure the insulin doesn't freeze.
- Once opened, store at room temperature (less than 25°C) for up to one month and then dispose of safely.
- Avoid storing insulin in direct sunlight.
Extreme (hot or cold) temperatures can damage insulin so it doesn't work properly. It should not be left where the temperature is over 30°C. In summer your car can get hot (above 30°C), so don't leave insulin there.
There are various insulated insulin carrying bags (such as FRIO) for transporting insulin.
Tips for safe reception
Insulin is a prescription drug. The patient should talk to their doctor about:
- Which type of insulin is right for him.
- Possible side effects.
- How to administer medication safely and effectively.
People with type 2 diabetes or gestational disease should discuss with their doctor whether insulin therapy is the best choice for them. They aremay use other treatment options to control blood sugar, such as non-insulin medications, lifestyle changes, and diets.
It is very important that people taking these medications regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. Taking too much or too little insulin can lead to side effects or complications. It is also important that the person follows the treatment schedule agreed with the doctor and avoids skipping injections.
Anyone experiencing side effects from insulin therapy should talk to a doctor. Perhaps a different treatment plan or a different type of drug may be more appropriate for their needs and lifestyle. Your doctor can also give you advice on how to prevent or reduce some side effects.
