Explore the advantages and uses of prolonged action insulin, an essential treatment to control diabetes and improve blood glucose control.

Explore the benefits and uses of long-acting insulin, an essential treatment for managing diabetes and improving glycemic control.

The prolonged action insulin, also known as basal insulin, is a type of insulin used to control diabetes mellitus. It is designed to provide a constant liberation of insulin for a prolonged period of time, imitating the natural insulin production of the organism. This helps regulate blood sugar levels between meals and during the night, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

A prolonged action insulin that is usually prescribed is glargine, a synthetic form of human insulin. Glargine has a slightly acidic and microprecipitated pH when injected subcutaneously. These microprecipitas dissolve slowly, providing a slow and constant liberation of insulin for 24 hours. This allows constant control of blood glucose throughout the day without additional doses.

Glargine is classified as ultralarga insulin due to its duration of action, up to 24 hours. It provides a relatively stable basal insulin level without peaks. This stability makes it a beneficial option for people with diabetes who have unpredictable meal schedules or who need insulin coverage during the night. Glargine is administered once a day, normally when bedtime, but it may be necessary to adjust it depending on the needs of each patient and the blood glucose control.

Prolonged action insulin Start of action Duration of action
Glargina 1-2 hours Up to 24 hours
Swallow 1-4 hours Up to 42 hours

Glargine is a comfortable and effective option for people who need prolonged action insulin to control their diabetes. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate insulin guideline based on individual needs and medical history. Compliance with the prescribed dose, regular blood glucose control and lifestyle modifications are crucial components for the success of diabetes treatment.

Understanding Long Acting Insulin

An important aspect to understand prolonged action insulin is to recognize the different types available. There are several prolonged action insulin options, each with its own properties. Some of the prolonged action insulin formulas that are usually prescribed are glargine insulin, detemi insulin and swallowing insulin. These formulas differ in their beginning and duration of action, as well as in their maximum effect.

  • Glargine insulin: This prolonged action insulin has a constant and prolonged release, providing a constant level of insulin activity for 24 hours. It has a flat insulin action profile, which means that it does not have a pronounced maximum effect.
  • Insulin Detemir: Detemir insulin lasts prolonged action, up to 24 hours. Its absorption rate is more variable than that of insulin glargine, so it may require a more frequent dosage depending on individual needs.
  • Insulin Degludec: Insulin Degludec has a duration of ultralarga action, greater than 24 hours. Its liberation of insulin is constant and stable, which makes it an adequate option for people who need a less frequent dosage.

It is important that people with diabetes closely collaborate with their healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate prolonged insulin guideline based on their specific needs and lifestyle.

The prolonged action insulin is usually administered once or twice a day, depending on the specific formulation. It is important to follow the prescribed dosing instructions and regularly control blood sugar levels to ensure optimal control. Prolonged action insulin plays a crucial role in the general control of diabetes, since it helps prevent complications and keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day and night.

Long Acting Insulin Comparison Table

Insulin formulation Start of action Maximum effect Duration of action
Insulin glargine 1-2 hours No pronounced maximum effect Up to 24 hours
Insulin Detemir 1-2 hours Variable absorption speed Up to 24 hours
Insulin Degludec 30-90 minutes No pronounced maximum effect More than 24 hours

The Importance of Long Acting Insulin in Diabetes Management

The prolonged action insulin, also known as basal insulin, is designed to provide a constant liberation of insulin throughout day and night. It helps keep blood sugar between meals and during fasting periods, like night. This type of insulin is usually administered once or twice a day to guarantee a constant insulin supply in the body.

The benefits of prolonged action insulin in the treatment of diabetes:

  • Stabilizes blood sugar levels: Long-acting insulin helps maintain blood sugar levels within the target range by providing a baseline of insulin activity.
  • Reduces the risk of hypoglycemia: Unlike short-acting insulin, long-acting insulin has a lower risk of causing hypoglycemic episodes.
  • Provides flexibility and convenience: Administration of long-acting insulin once or twice a day offers flexibility in meal times and allows for better adherence to the diabetes management plan.

It is important to note that long-acting insulin is often used in combination with other types of insulin or diabetes medications. The specific dose and regimen of long-acting insulin may vary based on individual needs and healthcare professional recommendations. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and working closely with a healthcare team are essential for successful diabetes management.

Types of Long Acting Insulin

1. Insulin glargine: Insulin glargine is a long-acting basal insulin analog that has a duration of action of up to 24 hours. It is formulated to mimic the natural steady release of insulin through the formation of microprecipitates in the subcutaneous tissue, resulting in a slow absorption rate and a flat pharmacokinetic profile.

  1. Advantages of Insulin Glargine:
    • Provides constant and prolonged glycemic control.
    • It does not have a pronounced peak of action, which minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia.
    • It can be administered once a day, offering convenience to patients.
  2. Considerations about insulin glargine:
    • It is essential to inject insulin glargine at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness.
    • Dosage adjustments may be necessary based on individual patient needs.

2. Insulin detemir: Insulin detemir is a long-acting basal insulin analogue that has a duration of action of up to 24 hours. It works by binding to albumin in the bloodstream, causing delayed absorption and a long duration of action.

Insulin detemir provides a constant and continuous release of insulin, allowing for better glycemic control and greater flexibility in dosing. It has a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to other long-acting insulins.

Advantages of insulin Detemir Considerations about insulin Detemir
  • Offers a more flexible dosing regimen.
  • It can be administered once or twice a day, depending on the patient’s needs.
  • Requires careful individual titration to achieve optimal control.
  • The dose may need to be adjusted to account for factors such as exercise, illness, or changes in diet.

Comparing Different Brands of Long Acting Insulin

1. Mark A: This prolonged action insulin mark is known for its ability to provide a constant insulin release for a prolonged period. It is usually prescribed to people who need a precise and constant insulin guideline. The A brand has an action duration that usually ranges between 18 and 24 hours.

2. BRAND B: Another popular prolonged action insulin mark, the B brand, offers a duration of action slightly higher than that of the A. brand is designed to provide a basal level of constant insulin for 24 to 36 hours. This makes the B brand the ideal option for people who need a more prolonged action insulin with less injections per day.

Important note: It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate prolonged insulin brand based on individual needs and medical history.

When considering the differences between these two brands of prolonged action insulin, it is important to take into account factors such as the duration of the action, the frequency of the injections and the individual objectives of the treatment. Although both brand A and brand B provide a continuous liberation of insulin, the duration of the action may vary and influence the frequency of the necessary injections. This should be taken into account when selecting the most appropriate prolonged insulin mark for optimal diabetes control.

Prolonged Action Insulin Brand Duration of action Injection frequency
Brand a 18-24 hours Once a day
Brand b 24-36 hours Once every 1-2 days

It is essential to remember that the information provided is only a general comparison and should not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice. The diabetes control plan of each individual must be customized and adapt to their specific needs in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Long Acting Insulin

An important factor when choosing a prolonged action insulin is the duration of its action. Different prolonged action insulins have different liberation profiles and durations, which allows diabetics to find the regime that best suits their particular needs. Some prolonged action insulins, such as insulin glargine, have a duration of action of up to 24 hours, which provides a constant basal insulin supply. Others, such as swallowing insulin, have a duration of prolonged action that can reach up to 42 hours, offering greater flexibility and stability in blood glucose control.

Factors to consider when choosing long-acting insulin:

  • Duration of the action: prolonged action insulins have different release profiles, and the duration of the action can influence the frequency and time of dosing.
  • Dosage flexibility: insulins with more prolonged action durations, such as swallowing insulin, can provide more flexibility in dosing regimes, allowing a greater time window between injections.
  • Stability in blood glucose control: prolonged action insulins should provide a constant basal insulin contribution during the desired action duration to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate prolonged insulin based on individual needs and preferences. The choice of prolonged action insulin must take into account factors such as the duration of the action, the flexibility in dosing and stability in blood glucose control, to guarantee effective control of diabetes and a better quality of life. In addition, the periodic monitoring of blood sugar levels and close communication with health personnel are vital to make the necessary adjustments in the prolonged action insulin guideline.

Tips for Proper Administration and Storage of Long Acting Insulin

Administration:

  1. Always wash your hands: before administering prolonged action insulin, it is important to wash your hands well with hot water and soap. This helps reduce the risk of infection and guarantees the cleaning of the injection point.
  2. Rotate injection points: To avoid lipohipertrophy, a disorder characterized by fat packages that can affect insulin absorption, it is essential to rotate the injection points. Alternate between different areas, such as the abdomen, thighs and upper arms, and avoid injecting repeatedly in the same place.
  3. Use the correct technique: When prolonged action insulin is administered, use the correct injection technique recommended by your health professional. This may include pinching the skin, inserting the needle at an angle of 90 degrees and injecting slowly and constantly insulin.

IMPORTANT: It is essential that you follow your doctor’s instructions for the type and prolonged action insulin mark you are using. Consult with him the appropriate injection technique, the dose and any other specific consideration for your particular situation.

Conservation:

  • Refrigeration: The prolonged action insulin must be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 ° C and 8 ° C (36 ° F and 46 ° F). Avoid freezing insulin as it can affect its effectiveness. However, do not expose it to extreme heat or direct sunlight.
  • Room temperature: Once opened, long-acting insulin vials or pens can be stored at room temperature for a period of time, as directed by the manufacturer. It is important that you check the product label or consult with your doctor about the recommended storage time.

Conservation guidelines for long-acting insulin:
Conditions of conservation Temperature Duration
Cooled 36°F – 46°F (2°C – 8°C) Before opening and until expiration date
Room temperature Below 30°C (86°F) After opening, as indicated by the manufacturer

Important: Always read the product label and consult with your doctor for specific storage instructions for your long-acting insulin to ensure its stability and effectiveness throughout its shelf life.

Author of the article
Dr.Greenblatt M.
Dr.Greenblatt M.
Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont

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