

The subcutaneous route of administration also has adverse effects. The other adverse effects of insulin therapy include weight gain and rarely electrolyte disturbances like hypokalemia, especially when used along with other drugs causing hypokalemia. Hypoglycemia is, by far, the most common adverse effect of insulin therapy. It passes through the lungs and into the bloodstream and provides a rapid onset of action within 12 minutes. It can be taken by patients with diabetes type 1 and type 2 before meals. The insulin pump is a device that works like a natural pancreas. It replaces the need for long-acting insulin and continuously delivers small amounts of short-acting insulin in the body throughout the day.Īdverse effects of insulin classify according to those caused by the drug itself and those caused by the specific route of administration. In 2014, the FDA approved an inhalable insulin formulation. Intramuscular insulin use is rare and utilizes concentrated regular insulin. All of these cases require emergency treatment, and hence intravenous insulin is used. It is used in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, severe hyperkalemia, beta-blocker toxicity, and calcium channel blocker toxicity. Intravenous insulin is used in the hospital setting, especially when immediate and close monitoring of blood glucose levels is needed. It is an easy and convenient way for patients to self-administer. Patients use the subcutaneous route in the form of insulin syringes, pens, and pumps. The subcutaneous route is the most widespread route of administration and is preferred by most patients due to its ease and convenience in administration. The route of administration usually depends on the patient condition and setting. Insulin administration can be via subcutaneous, intravenous, and intramuscular routes. Their long duration of action helps in reducing the frequency of dosing throughout the day. Dosing is usually during the night time after meals.

They provide a plateau effect over 12 to 24 hours. Long-acting insulins, such as glargine and detemir, start action in 1 to 2 hours. Dosing is usually twice a day and helps maintain the blood sugar levels throughout the day. Intermediate-acting insulins (NPH) start the action in 1 to 4 hours and peak in 4 to 8 hours. Patients take these agents before meals, and food is necessary within 30 minutes after its administration to avoid hypoglycemia. Short-acting (regular insulin) starts the action in 30 to 40 minutes and peaks in 90 to 120 minutes. They are generally used before meals and always used along with short-acting or long-acting insulins to control sugar levels throughout the day. Rapid-acting insulins (lispro and aspart) start their action in 5 to 15 minutes and peak in 30 minutes. Brain cells: Involved in appetite regulationĭepending on the duration of action, insulin categorizes as short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.
