Human insulin
Vials of insulin
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| Clinical data | |
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| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| MedlinePlus | a682611 |
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| Routes of administration |
subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, inhaled |
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| Chemical and physical data | |
| Molar mass | 5793.5999 g/mol |
| Density | 1.09 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 233 °C (451 °F) |
Insulin is used as a medication to treat high blood sugar. This includes in diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, gestational diabetes, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. It is also used along with glucose to treat high blood potassium levels. Typically it is given by injection under the skin, but some forms may also be used by injection into a vein or muscle.
The common side effect is low blood sugar. Other side effects may include pain or skin changes at the sites of injection, low blood potassium, and allergic reactions. Use during pregnancy is relatively safe for the baby. Insulin can be made from the pancreas of pigs or cows. Human versions can be made either by modifying pig versions or recombinant technology. It comes in three main types short–acting (such as regular insulin), intermediate–acting (such as NPH insulin), and longer-acting (such as insulin glargine).
Insulin was first used as a medication in Canada by Charles Best and Frederick Banting in 1922. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system. The wholesale cost in the developing world is about $US2.39 to $10.61 per 1,000 iu of regular insulin and $2.23 to $10.35 per 1,000 iu of NPH insulin. In the United Kingdom 1,000 iu of regular or NPH insulin costs the NHS 7.48 pounds, while this amount of insulin glargine costs 30.68 pounds.
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