Newer Insulin Preparations and Insulin Analogs

Overview

Journal Cureus

Specialty Biomedical Engineering

Date 2024 Dec 30

PMID 39734941

Authors

Devkumar D Tiwari

Vandana M Thorat

Dr Prathamesh V Pakale

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus represents a significant and growing global health challenge, with its prevalence steadily increasing. Insulin therapy remains a cornerstone of diabetes management. Since its discovery in 1921, insulin has undergone substantial advancements, evolving from crude animal extracts to highly refined recombinant formulations and biosimilars. This review explores the progression of insulin therapies, emphasizing the evolution from conventional insulins to modern analogs designed to mimic endogenous insulin more effectively. The limitations of early insulin formulations, such as unpredictable absorption, rigid dosing regimens, and an increased risk of hypoglycemia, highlighted the need for improved therapies. Modern insulin analogs, including fast-acting (e.g., insulin lispro), long-acting (e.g., insulin glargine and insulin degludec), and ultra-long-acting (e.g., insulin icodec) options, address these challenges by providing stable and consistent pharmacokinetics, along with enhanced glycemic control. Furthermore, biosimilar insulins, produced via recombinant DNA technology, have increased accessibility while maintaining therapeutic efficacy and safety. Recent innovations, such as ultra-long-acting insulins and combination therapies like insulin icodec with semaglutide, offer the potential to reduce injection frequency and enable personalized diabetes care. These advancements contribute to improved patient compliance, reduced glycemic variability, and an enhanced quality of life. This review highlights the critical role of ongoing research and innovation in insulin therapy to meet the evolving needs of diabetes management.

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