regular human insulin

Regular human insulin is a short-acting recombinant protein hormone identical to endogenous human insulin. It acts by binding to the insulin receptor on cell surfaces and facilitating cellular uptake of glucose from the bloodstream. This lowers blood glucose levels and allows for energy storage and utilization in tissues such as muscle and fat. Regular human insulin also inhibits hepatic glucose production (gluconeogenesis), lipolysis (fat breakdown), and proteolysis (protein breakdown), while promoting protein synthesis and conversion of excess glucose into fat. It is primarily used for glycemic control in type 1 diabetes mellitus but is also indicated for type 2 diabetes when oral agents are insufficient or contraindicated. Additional uses include management of gestational diabetes and acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states; it can also be used with glucose to treat hyperkalemia[1][2][5][7]. The onset of action is typically within 30 minutes after subcutaneous injection; peak effect occurs at about 2–5 hours; duration lasts up to 6–8 hours[2][5]. Administration routes include subcutaneous injection (most common), intravenous infusion (for emergencies), or intramuscular injection.

Brand names

Humulin RNovolin RMyxredlinHumulin R U-500Humulin R U-500 KwikPenNovolin R InnoletNovolin R PenFillReliOn/Humulin RReliOn/Novolin R

Other names

regular insulinneutral insulinsoluble insulin