insúlíni

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreatic islets. It plays a central role in regulating blood glucose by facilitating the uptake of glucose into liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, and by suppressing glucose production in the liver. Beyond glucose control, insulin influences fat and protein metabolism and helps maintain normal energy balance during fasting and after meals.

Clinically, insulin is used to treat diabetes mellitus when the body cannot produce enough insulin or when its action is impaired. Therapeutic insulin preparations are typically recombinant human insulin or synthetic analogs. They are categorized by onset and duration: rapid-acting (for example, lispro, aspart, glulisine), short-acting regular, intermediate-acting NPH, and long-acting analogs (glargine, detemir, degludec). Inhaled formulations have been developed but are less commonly used. In many regimens, insulin is combined with other glucose-lowering agents and delivered subcutaneously via injections or an insulin pump; in hospital settings, insulin may be given intravenously, especially in diabetic emergencies or perioperative care.

History and production notes: insulin was discovered in 1921 by Frederick Banting and Charles Best, with subsequent purification and refinement by others. The hormone was first obtained from animal pancreas but is now produced mainly by recombinant DNA technology. This shift improved safety, purity, and supply.

Common considerations include the risk of hypoglycemia, weight gain, and injection-site lipodystrophy with improper use. Proper storage typically involves refrigeration for unopened vials and room-temperature storage for in-use vials for a limited period, as advised by manufacturers.