Human insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein in the body. Insulin plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels and is essential for the normal functioning of the body. When the body is unable to produce insulin, or when it is not able to use it effectively, it can lead to a condition known as diabetes.
In the past, insulin for medical use was derived from animal sources, typically the pancreases of pigs or cows. While this form of insulin was effective in treating diabetes, it was associated with several drawbacks, including allergic reactions, variability in potency, and the potential for the transmission of diseases from animals to humans.
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In the early 1980s, advances in biotechnology led to the development of human insulin, a genetically engineered form of insulin that is identical to the insulin produced by the human body. Human insulin is created by inserting the gene for insulin production into bacteria or yeast cells, which then produce the hormone in large quantities.
There are two types of human insulin: rapid-acting insulin and long-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin, such as insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glulisine, are designed to work quickly and have a short duration of action. They are typically injected just before or after a meal to control blood sugar spikes that occur during digestion.
Long-acting insulin, such as insulin glargine and insulin detemir, are designed to work slowly and have a longer duration of action. They are typically injected once or twice a day to provide a steady baseline of insulin to help control blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.
One of the main advantages of human insulin over animal insulin is that it is less likely to cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Because it is identical to the insulin produced by the human body, it is more easily recognized and accepted by the immune system. This has led to a significant reduction in the number of allergic reactions and other adverse effects associated with insulin therapy.
Human insulin is also associated with greater consistency in potency and duration of action compared to animal insulin. Because it is produced through genetic engineering, it is possible to precisely control the amount and quality of the hormone produced, leading to more reliable and consistent results for patients.
In addition to traditional insulin injections, there are also several other forms of human insulin available, including insulin pumps and inhalable insulin. Insulin pumps are small devices that are worn on the body and deliver a continuous stream of insulin throughout the day, eliminating the need for multiple injections. Inhalable insulin, such as Afrezza, is a powder form of insulin that is inhaled through the mouth and lungs, providing a faster onset of action compared to traditional injections.
Despite the many benefits of human insulin, there are still some limitations to its use. For example, it can be expensive and may not be accessible to all patients, particularly in developing countries where resources may be limited. Additionally, some patients may experience side effects such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, and injection site reactions.
In conclusion, human insulin is a major advancement in the treatment of diabetes, offering a more effective and reliable form of insulin therapy compared to animal insulin. It is produced through genetic engineering and is identical to the insulin produced by the human body, leading to greater consistency in potency and duration of action. While it is not without limitations, it has significantly improved the quality of life for millions of people with diabetes worldwide.