Insulin and Insulin Analogs

FDA approved

Insulin is the 51-amino acid peptide hormone that lowers blood sugar, and was the first peptide drug ever used in medicine. Today it is given as human insulin or engineered analogs (rapid-acting such as lispro and aspart, long-acting such as glargine and degludec) to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

At a glance

Where it acts: Hormones & metabolism
Regulatory status: FDA approvedApproved by the U.S. FDA for at least one medical use.

Mechanism of Action

Insulin binds the insulin receptor on muscle, fat and liver cells, triggering glucose uptake (via GLUT4 transporters), glycogen storage and fat storage, while suppressing glucose production by the liver. Analogs change a few amino acids to make insulin act faster or last longer.

Typical Dosage (Research)

Prescription-only medicine. Dosing is set by a physician according to the FDA-approved label and the condition being treated.

Side Effects & Risks

Hypoglycemia (the most important), weight gain, injection site reactions and lipodystrophy.

Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, loss of consciousness or death. Low potassium can occur. Dosing errors between concentrations and pen types are a recognized safety risk.

Who Uses Insulin and Insulin Analogs

Everyone with type 1 diabetes, and many people with type 2 or gestational diabetes.