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Pharmacy Author:

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD

Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.

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Medical and Pharmacy Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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In this Article

• What is diabetes?
• What are the types of diabetes?
• What are the symptoms of diabetes?
• What are the various brand names and types of insulin?
• What insulin preparations are available?
• For what type of diabetes is insulin prescribed?
• What is the dosage and how is insulin administrated?
• What are the side effects of insulin?
• What are the contraindications, warnings, and precautions for insulin?
• Which drugs interact with insulin?
• How well does insulin treat diabetes?
• What is the mechanism of action for insulin?
• Insulin for Diabetes Treatment: Types Side Effects Index

For what type of diabetes is insulin prescribed?

Indications for insulin

• Diabetes mellitus type 1
• Diabetes mellitus type 2
• Insulin resistance
• Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Gestational diabetes
• Diabetes mellitus treatment during pregnancy

What is the dosage and how is insulin administrated?

Dosage and Administration of insulin

• A meal should be consumed at least 30 minutes after administering regular insulin
• Insulin usually is administered by subcutaneous injection into the abdominal wall, thigh, gluteal region (buttocks), or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated within the same region.
• Some insulins (for example, regular insulin) also may be administered intravenously.
• Dosage is individualized for each patient.
• A combination of short/rapid acting and intermediate insulin or long acting insulin typically are used
• Some patients may develop insulin resistance.
• Multiple daily insulin injections or continuous subcutaneous infusions via a pump closely mimic pancreatic insulin secretion.
• Insulin sliding scales are used for managing critically ill hospitalized patients.

What are the side effects of insulin?

What are the contraindications, warnings, and precautions for insulin?

Contraindications

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Hypersensitivity to insulin or its excipients (inactive co-ingredients)

Warnings and Precautions

• Hypoglycemia may occur and is the most common side effect of insulin treatment.
• Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur.
• Hypokalemia (low blood potassium) may occur because insulin stimulates movement of potassium from blood into cells. Combining insulin with potassium-lowering drugs may increase the risk of hypokalemia.
• Hepatic (liver) impairment may reduce the insulin requirement.
• Renal (kidney) dysfunction may reduce the insulin requirement.
• Illness, emotional disturbance, or other stress may alter the insulin requirement.
• Intravenous administration increases the risk of hypoglycemia and hypokalemia.

Which drugs interact with insulin?

Insulin Drug Interactions

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.