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INSULIN Insulin is the first line treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus. The aim of insulin treatment is to control blood glucose levels. Insulin is also used in diabetes type 2 when diet and/or oral therapy have failed to achieve control. There are 3 main types of insulin preparations, classed by their duration of action. *Short-acting insulins: - Soluble insulin (eg. Hypurin Bovine Neutral, Humulin S, Actrapid, Insuman Rapid)
*Intermediate-acting insulins: - Insulin demetir
(Levimir) *Long-acting insulins: - Insulin zinc suspension, crystalline (Ultratard)
A combination of short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins may be used to control blood glucose in diabetic patients -- duration of action varies considerably from one patient to another and needs to be assessed individually.
Page last modified: May 2008 |
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