Insulin was first used as a medication in Canada by Charles Best and Frederick Banting in 1922.[7] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[8] In 2017, it was the 209th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2million prescriptions.[9] Versions are also available mixed with longer-acting versions of insulin, such as NPH insulin.[2] In 2020, the combination of human insulin with insulin isophane was the 246th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2million prescriptions.[10][11]
Medical uses
Regular insulin is used for the long-term management of diabetes.[5] It is the treatment of choice for the two diabetic emergencies diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states.[5] It may also be used in combination with glucose to lower potassium levels in those with hyperkalemia.[6]
Side effects
Side effects may include: low blood sugar levels, skin reactions at the site of injection and low potassium levels among others.[5]
Manufacture
Humulin, one brand name for a group of biosynthetic human insulin products, is synthesized in a laboratory strain of Escherichia coli bacteria which has been genetically altered with recombinant DNA to produce biosynthetic human insulin. Humulin R consists of zinc-insulin crystals dissolved in a clear fluid.[citation needed]
Formulations
It is sold by many manufacturers in a number of different forms.
Humulin R (REGULAR human insulin injection [rDNA origin]) is a short-acting insulin that has a relatively short duration of activity as compared with other insulins.
Humulin R Regular U-500 (Concentrated) insulin human injection, USP (rDNA Origin) is a stronger concentration (500 units/mL) of Humulin R.
Humulin 70/30 (70% human insulin isophane suspension, 30% human insulin injection [rDNA origin]) is a mixture insulin. It is an intermediate-acting insulin combined with the onset of action of Humulin
Humulin 50/50 (50% human insulin isophane suspension, 50% human insulin injection [rDNA origin]) is a mixture insulin. It is an intermediate-acting insulin combined with the onset of action of Humulin R.
12345678American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. "Insulin Human". drugs.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
↑World Health Organization model list of essential medicines: 21st list 2019. Geneva: World Health Organization. 2019. hdl:10665/325771. WHO/MVP/EMP/IAU/2019.06. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.
