What is Insulin?
Insulin is a natural hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose (sugar) from food for energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly, blood sugar levels rise — this condition is called diabetes. So, Insulin injections are given to people with Type 1 Diabetes and sometimes Type 2 Diabetes to help control blood sugar levels.
Composition
Active Ingredient: Recombinant Human Insulin (or Insulin Analog)
Form: Injection (vial, pen, or cartridge)
Concentration: Usually 100 units/mL
Mechanism of Action – How It Works
Insulin lowers blood sugar by:
Helping cells absorb glucose for energy
Stopping the liver from releasing too much sugar
Storing extra sugar as glycogen for later use
Uses
Type 1 Diabetes: When the body stops producing insulin completely
Type 2 Diabetes: When oral medicines aren’t enough to control blood sugar
Gestational Diabetes: Sometimes used during pregnancy
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Emergency condition to control high blood sugar
Dosage & Administration
Route: Subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
Common Sites: Abdomen, thighs, upper arm
Dosage: Depends on blood sugar readings, body weight, diet, and activity
Note: Must be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor
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Precautions
Always check blood sugar before and after taking insulin
⚠️ Do not skip meals after injection
⚠️ Rotate injection sites to prevent skin thickening
⚠️ Store in refrigerator (2–8°C), not frozen
⚠️ Avoid alcohol (may cause low sugar)