Library · Metabolic & weight · Treatment of diabetes mellitus
Insulin (various analogues: Lispro, Aspart, Glargine, Degludec, etc.)
Insulin Lispro, Insulin Aspart, Insulin Glargine, Insulin Degludec, Insulin Glulisine, Insulin Detemir
Modified human insulin forms engineered for specific pharmacokinetics — rapid-acting types (Lispro, Aspart) mimic the after-meal insulin surge, while long-acting basal types (Glargine, Degludec) give a steady 24+ hour release. Central to modern diabetes management.
Research score 100/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Blood Sugar Control
- Metabolic Enhancement
- Insulin Regulation
- Appetite Suppression
- Muscle Growth
- US status
- Prescription Only
- Approval
- FDA + EMA Approved
- Evidence
- FDA Approved. Extensive comparison studies (Degludec vs Glargine, etc.).
- Research score
- 100 / 100
- Indication
- Multiple Approved Indications
- Origin
- Canada
- Source category
- Digestive System
- Status group
- Approved / prescription
Mechanism
Binds insulin receptors, triggering autophosphorylation and IRS activation that drives PI3K/Akt signaling (moving GLUT4 transporters to take up glucose, and blocking liver glucose production via FOXO inhibition) plus MAPK signaling for growth and protein synthesis; structural tweaks control how fast each analog is absorbed or forms stable depots.
Safety file
Hypoglycemia is the main risk; also injection-site reactions and weight gain, with long-term safety well established.
- Hypoglycemia
- Weight gain
- Injection site reactions
- Lipodystrophy