insuliinit

Insulins, including pharmaceutical preparations commonly referred to as insuliinit in Finnish, are peptide hormones produced by pancreatic beta cells and used to manage blood glucose in people with diabetes. They promote glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue and suppress hepatic glucose production, helping to maintain metabolic balance when endogenous insulin is insufficient or ineffective.

Pharmacological insulins are categorized by onset and duration. Rapid-acting analogs such as lispro, aspart, and glulisine act within minutes and last a few hours. Short-acting regular insulin starts later and lasts longer. Intermediate-acting insulins (NPH) provide basal coverage. Long-acting analogs such as glargine, detemir, and degludec offer steady basal insulin, and can be used in basal-bolus regimens.

Mechanism and pharmacokinetics: Insulin binds to its receptor, triggering signaling that increases glucose uptake via GLUT4 transporters and promotes glycogen, fat, and protein synthesis while inhibiting glucose production by the liver. The duration and peak of insulin action depend on formulation, injection site, dose, and individual factors.

Medical use: Insulins are essential for type 1 diabetes and are frequently required in type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Dosing is individualized and typically administered as part of a basal-bolus regimen, with glucose monitoring guiding adjustments. In some cases insulin is used to treat hyperkalemia acutely.

Safety and storage: Common adverse effects include hypoglycemia and weight gain. Injection-site lipodystrophy and allergic reactions may occur. Proper rotation of injection sites and adherence to storage guidelines (refrigeration before opening; room temperature after opening) help maintain potency and reduce local reactions.

History: Insulin was discovered in 1921 by Banting and Best. Early insulins were animal-derived; since the 1980s most are recombinant human insulin or analogs, allowing tailored onset and duration to match patient needs.