Isophane insulin is a type of long-acting insulin used to treat people with diabetes. It helps to reduce blood sugar levels by helping the body absorb glucose from food and store it in the body's cells. Isophane insulin works by binding to insulin receptors in the liver, muscle, and fat cells, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. It can be taken as a single injection, or in combination with other types of insulin. It is usually injected just before a meal, and can last up to 24 hours. Isophane insulin is less likely to cause low blood sugar levels than other types of insulin, but can still cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or rapid heartbeat. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or healthcare provider.
Isophane insulin, also known as Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin, is a medication used to manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus, specifically:
- Type 1 diabetes: The body produces little to no insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce enough.
Here's a breakdown of key points regarding Isophane insulin:
Function:
- Acts as an intermediate-acting insulin.
- Mimics the natural insulin produced by the body.
- Enables cells to absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.
Mechanism of Action:
- Isophane insulin forms a suspension after injection, causing a gradual release of insulin into the bloodstream over an extended period.
Onset and Duration:
- Onset: Starts working within 1-2 hours after injection.
- Peak effect: Reaches its peak effectiveness between 4-12 hours after injection.
- Duration: Continues to work for 12-18 hours.
Dosage and Administration:
- Available as an injection administered subcutaneously (under the skin) typically once or twice daily.
- Dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on individual needs and blood sugar control.
Important Considerations:
- Prescription medication: Isophane insulin is only available by prescription and requires proper medical supervision.
- Not a cure for diabetes: It helps manage blood sugar levels but doesn't cure the underlying condition.
- Potential side effects:
- Most common: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can cause symptoms like shakiness, sweating, dizziness, and confusion.
- Other potential side effects include injection site reactions, allergic reactions, and weight gain.