Injectable insulin is a drug to meet insulin needs on diabetics. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas gland to help control blood sugar levels.
In addition to regulating blood sugar levels, this hormone also regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. When the pancreas gland cannot produce insulin in sufficient quantities or when the insulin it produces cannot work optimally, there will be a buildup of sugar in the blood.
This condition will increase the risk of a number of complications in diabetics, such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve cell damage, and stroke.
Injectable insulin is needed to prevent the accumulation of sugar in the blood. The way injectable insulin works is the same as natural insulin, which makes sugar can be absorbed by cells and can be processed into energy.
Injectable insulin trademark: Apidra, Insulatard HM, Insuman Basal, Insuman Comb 25, Insuman Comb 30, Insuman Rapid, Lantus, Mixtard 30 HM, Sansulin Log-G
What is Injectable Insulin
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | insulin preparations |
| Benefit | Meet insulin needs in diabetics |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Injectable insulin for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not shown any risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Injectable insulin can be absorbed into breast milk. For breastfeeding mothers, do not use this medicine without consulting |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before Using Injectable Insulin
Injectable insulin should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. Before using injectable insulin, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use injectable insulin if you are allergic to this medicine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from kidney disease, thyroid disease, liver disease, heart failure, hypoglycemia, infectious disease, lipoatrophy (reduced fat tissue in certain areas of the body), or hypokalemia.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with injectable insulin, because it can increase the risk of low blood sugar levels.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires vigilance while taking insulin injection, as this medicine can cause dizziness.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using injectable insulin.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Injectable Insulin
Injectable insulin will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous/IV), into a muscle (intramuscularly/IM), or under the skin (subcutaneously) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
The following is a general dose of insulin injection according to the condition and age of the patient:
Condition: Diabetic ketoacidosis
Intramuscular/IM . injection
- Mature: The initial injection dose is 20 units, followed by 6 units per hour until the blood sugar drops to 10 mmol/l or below 180 mg/dl.
Intravenous/IV . injection
- Mature: The dose is given by infusion with an initial dose of 6 units per hour, the dose is doubled 2 or 4 times if blood sugar levels do not drop.
- Children: The dose is given by infusion with an initial dose of 0.1 units/kgBW per hour, the dose is doubled 2 or 4 times if the blood sugar level does not decrease.
Condition: Diabetes mellitus
Subcutaneous injection
- Mature: Dosage will be adjusted according to need. Injections are made into the thigh, upper arm, buttocks, or stomach area.
Method Using Injectable Insulin Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging before using insulin. Injectable insulin intended for diabetic ketoacidosis conditions will be directly given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Injectable insulin which is intended to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus is usually injected 30 minutes before eating. This drug is best injected into a different part of the body for each injection. Do not use the exact same site as the previous injection.
Follow the injection schedule given by the doctor for effective treatment. During treatment you will need to have regular blood tests and blood sugar tests to check the body's response to injectable insulin.
Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor first. This is because stopping treatment too early can cause hyperglycemia (high levels of sugar in the blood).
Interaction of Injectable Insulin with Other Drugs
The following are the effects of drug interactions that may occur if injectable insulin is used together with other medicines:
- Increased blood sugar-lowering effect risk of causing hypoglycemia when used with diabetes drugs, ACE inhibitor, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAOI antidepressants, pentoxifylline, or sulfonamide antibiotics
- Decreased effect of injectable insulin on lowering blood sugar when used with glucagon, danazol, diuretics, isoniazid, corticosteroids, thyroid hormones, birth control pills, or atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine
- Increased risk of weight gain and peripheral edema when used with pioglitazone or rosiglitazone
- Increased risk of masking hypoglycaemic symptoms when used with beta-blockers
- Decreased effect of the drug sermorelin
Side Effects and Dangers of Injectable Insulin
Side effects that can appear after using injectable insulin are:
- Swelling, redness, and itching at the injection site
- Weight gain
- Constipation
Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia), which can be characterized by muscle cramps, feeling weak, and an irregular heartbeat
- Low blood sugar levels, which can be characterized by a fast heart rate, sweating, hunger, dizziness, shaking, tingling, or blurred vision
- Swollen hands or feet
- Weight gain fast