Significance Of Synthetic Insulin For Diabetic Mellitus Patients

What is Insulin; How Natural Insulin Works?

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the blood sugar levels of the body. It is produced naturally by the beta cells of the pancreas and is a peptide in nature. The physiological role of the insulin hormone is to allow the entry of glucose being present in the bloodstream into the body cells, where this glucose provides energy to cells for their proper functioning. Disease conditions arise if the body is not producing insulin or the quantity produced is not sufficient to meet the needs, or the cells are not responsive to insulin. All these conditions can be primary or secondary due to any other disease or as a side effect of drugs.

How is Insulin Produced Through Recombinant DNA Technology?

Insulin is produced synthetically through genetic engineering using yeast or bacteria. It was the first golden molecule in the biotech industry and was produced using recombinant DNA technology techniques. The desired insulin-producing gene of human insulin is inserted into the plasmid, and it then becomes a genetically modified plasmid. This genetically modified plasmid is introduced either into bacteria or yeast cells. The fast reproduction process helps in the generation of multiple copies of insulin in less time. Synthetic insulin is similar in structure to human insulin, but after being injected under the skin, its function is not similar to human insulin. It clumps at the injection site and takes a longer period to absorb.

When to use Synthetic Insulin?

Synthetic insulin is used when the body’s insulin requirements are not fulfilled naturally. It can be when insulin is not produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. This condition is known as Diabetes type 1, also called Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Patients of this disease can be young adults, and they require a significant amount of synthetic insulin on a daily basis for normal body functioning. Sometimes the body produces insulin, but the quantity is not sufficient to meet the needs. So one has to add synthetic insulin to the daily dose. This condition is known as Diabetes type 2, also known as insulin-independent diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes can be treated with modification of diet, exercise, and taking oral antidiabetic drugs. Ozempic is also an oral antidiabetic drug that can also be used for long-term weight management. It works by increasing insulin secretion and increasing sugar metabolism. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is usually prescribed when oral antibiotics are not working. Thus, insulin is the last choice for sugar management in type 2 diabetics.

Similarities and Differences Among Synthetic Insulin Analogs

Human insulin and insulin analogs are the alternates of insulin deficiency. However, they vary in the timings of their action in the human body. Other characteristics upon which the differences are classified are how quickly they act, how long it takes to achieve maximum effect, how long they last before metabolizing, available concentrations, and route of administration. Usually, the site of insulin administration is fatty tissue under the skin, also known as subcutaneous tissue. Sometimes it is also given intravenously. Now insulin pumps and inhaled insulin are also available.

Classification of Synthetic Insulin Analogs

Depending upon their duration of action, Insulin analogs are classified into four types; fast-acting insulin analogs are the ones that start acting within minutes after administration, and action lasts for a couple of hours. Intermediate-acting is the one whose action starts within 2-4 hours and lasts until 18 hours. In addition, long-acting are the ones that work for one whole day, i.e., 24 hours.

How to Select the Right Insulin for the Right Patient

Selection of the right Insulin for the right patient is a tricky process, and it needs the skilled expertise of any physician or specialist. One cannot make this choice oneself. Healthcare providers consider some important parameters while making the selection of the right insulin. Such as how long the body takes to absorb the insulin and how long it remains active. Lifestyle choices, type of food intake, alcohol consumption, and exercise are also important factors in making the right choice of insulin. A person's age and, most importantly, the psychological willingness of a person to achieve and maintain a targeted range of blood glucose levels are the key factors. The doctor can even prescribe more than 1 type of insulin, and insulin can be used along with oral antidiabetics.

Dosing Schedule of Insulin

The prescriber suggests the dosing schedule of insulin. Moreover, it depends on the type of insulin being used. Usually, they are taken half an hour before meals. Nevertheless, long-acting insulins are not included in this category. As they are to be taken only once a day, so you can take them at any time of the day. Make sure the gap is exact 24 hours between two doses. This is recommended when only long-acting is prescribed. If it is coupled with any other type, for example, with fast-acting, directions must be followed as prescribed. All types of insulins are easily available at pharmacies and are available online but one has to show a prescription to buy insulin.

Possible Side Effects of Synthetic Insulin

Every drug has desired therapeutic effects along with side effects. The same is the case with insulin. Lowering the blood sugar levels below the normal is a major side effect. It can sometimes prove fatal and can take the life of a patient or put the patient in a comma. Moreover, in the initial phases of insulin use, it causes weight gain. Too many injections at the same site can lead to the development of lumps or scars. A rash can happen at the injection site, and very rarely, rashes can be seen on the whole body. In case a patient is using inhalation insulin, there are chances of developing lung tightening if there is a history of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These side effects cannot be avoided, but their intensity can be lessened by careful selection of the right insulin for the right patient, the right time of administration, and the right dose.

How to Store Insulin?

Storing insulin at optimum temperature is very important for its optimum activity. Insulin needs cool storage conditions, so it should be kept in the refrigerator. Insulin is a peptide hormone, so; its structure can break down at extremes of temperature, either too hot or cold. Always shake the container before administration.