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Generic Name: Insulin
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Humulin is a product of biotechnology. Produced by special
non-disease-causing bacteria in a laboratory, it is an exact replica of human
insulin, the hormone that controls the body's use of sugar.
Humulin is
administered by injection and is used to treat diabetes.
Both patients
with "juvenile-onset" or IDDM and those with "adult-onset" or NIDDM forms of
diabetes may require insulin to control the disease.
It comes in several
different varieties: Humulin R is rapid-acting, and wears off within 4 to 12
hours; Humulin N is intermediate in onset and lasts up to 24 hours; Humulin L
goes to work slowly and also lasts up to 24 hours; and Humulin U is ultra-slow
and may persist up to 28 hours.
Humalog, a new brand of bio-engineered
human insulin, is especially fast-acting and is prescribed for administration
shortly before meals.
Your record of blood glucose measurements will
help the doctor determine which type and what dose of insulin you need.
Side Effects and Interactions
The most serious side effect of any insulin is
hypoglycemia.
If the dose of insulin is too high, if the patient misses
a meal or waits too long to eat, if he is more active than usual or experiences
an illness with vomiting or diarrhea, blood sugar may drop too
low.
Symptoms may include sweating, dizziness, tremor, palpitations,
inability to concentrate, hunger, restlessness, or tingling in hands, feet,
lips, or tongue.
Humulin may be less likely to cause warning symptoms of
hypoglycemia than other insulin, so the patient may need to be more alert to
this possibility.
Low blood sugar is corrected with a food or drink that
contains sugar.
Too little insulin can allow blood sugar to build up.
Over a period of time, the condition, called "hyperglycemia," can upset the
metabolic balance of the body and lead to acidosis.
Symptoms may appear
gradually and can include drowsiness, flushing, thirst, lack of appetite and a
distinctive odor on the breath.
If untreated, both hypoglycemia and
hyperglycemia can be deadly. Seek medical attention promptly.
Several
medications tend to raise blood sugar or counteract the effects of Humulin.
These include birth control pills, cortisone-like drugs, diltiazem, or diuretics
such as hydrochlorothiazide, postmenopausal estrogens, and thyroid hormones.
Smoking also reduces the effectiveness of insulin.
Drugs that
can increase the impact of insulin include aspirin and other salicylates,
excessive alcohol, and anabolic steroids (sometimes used by body-builders).
Beta blocker blood pressure pills may disguise the symptoms of
hypoglycemia until it is advanced.
Pondimin (and possibly Redux) along
with Nardil, Parnate, Eldepryl, and tetracycline antibiotics may tend to lower
blood sugar.
It is possible that juniper
berries may turn out to lower blood sugar; if so, they may interact with
insulin. Close monitoring of blood sugar is advised.
Check with your
physician and pharmacist regarding potential interactions of Humulin with any
other drugs or herbs you take.
Special Precautions
Managing diabetes is a balancing act, with food, exercise, stress, pregnancy, and illness all affecting levels of blood sugar.
The type of insulin used and timing of administration also have a significant impact. Close communication with the physician is essential.
Taking the Medicine
Your doctor will advise you about the best timing and dose for your Humulin injection.
Always use the same type and brand of syringe and follow the instructions exactly.
Rotate injection sites as instructed. Do not rub your skin after injecting
Humulin.
Humulin should be stored in the refrigerator but not in the freezer.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000