Injectable Insulin

Injectable insulin is a drug to meet the insulin needs of people with diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help control blood sugar levels.

In addition to regulating blood sugar levels, this hormone also regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When the pancreas gland cannot produce enough insulin or when the insulin produced cannot work optimally, there will be a build-up of sugar in the blood.

This condition will increase the risk of a number of complications in diabetes patients, such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve cell damage, and stroke.

Injectable insulin is needed to prevent sugar build-up in the blood. The working method of injectable insulin is the same as natural insulin , which is to make sugar that can be absorbed by cells and can be processed into energy.

Injectable insulin brands: Apidra, Insulatard HM, Insuman Basal, Insuman Comb 25, Insuman Comb 30, Insuman Rapid, Lantus, Mixtard 30 HM, Sansulin Log-G

What is Injectable Insulin?

Warnings Before Using Injectable Insulin

Injectable insulin can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Before using injectable insulin, you need to pay attention to the following things:

• Do not use injectable insulin if you are allergic to this medicine. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had or are currently suffering from kidney disease, thyroid disease, liver disease, heart failure, hypoglycemia , infectious disease, lipoatrophy (decreased fat tissue in certain areas of the body), or hypokalemia .
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages during treatment with injectable insulin, as it can increase the risk of low blood sugar levels.
• Do not drive a vehicle or operate equipment that requires alertness, while undergoing treatment with injectable insulin, because this drug can cause dizziness.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using insulin injections.

Dosage and Administration of Injectable Insulin

Injectable insulin will be given by injection through a blood vessel (intravenous/IV), into a muscle (intramuscular/IM), or under the skin (subcutaneous) by a doctor or medical staff under the supervision of a doctor.

The following is the general dose of injectable insulin according to the condition and age of the patient:

Condition: Diabetic ketoacidosis

Intramuscular/IM injection

• Adults: The initial injection dose is 20 units, followed by 6 units per hour until blood sugar drops to 10 mmol/l or below 180 mg/dl.

Intravenous/IV injection

• Adults: The dose is given by infusion with an initial dose of 6 units per hour, the dose is doubled or quadrupled if the blood sugar level does not drop.
• Children: The dose is given by infusion with an initial dose of 0.1 unit/kgBB per hour, the dose is doubled or quadrupled if the blood sugar level does not drop.

Condition: Diabetes mellitus

Subcutaneous injection

• Adults: The dose will be adjusted according to need. Injections are made into the thigh, upper arm, buttock, or stomach area.

How to Use Injectable Insulin Correctly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions for use on the package before using insulin. Injectable insulin intended for the condition of diabetic ketoacidosis will be given directly by a doctor or medical personnel under the supervision of a doctor.

Injectable insulin intended to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus is usually injected 30 minutes before a meal. This medicine is better injected in a different part of the body for each injection. Do not use the exact same place as the previous injection.

Follow the injection schedule given by the doctor so that the treatment is effective. During treatment you need to do blood tests and blood sugar tests regularly to check your body's response to insulin injections.

Do not stop treatment without first consulting a doctor. This is because stopping treatment too early can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).

Interactions of Injectable Insulin with Other Drugs

The following are drug interaction effects that can occur if injectable insulin is used together with other drugs:

• Increased blood sugar-lowering effects that are at risk of causing hypoglycemia if used with diabetes medications, ACE inhibitors , disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAOI antidepressants , pentoxifylline, or sulfonamide antibiotics
• Decreased effect of injectable insulin in lowering blood sugar if used with glucagon , danazol, diuretics , isoniazid, corticosteroids , thyroid hormones, birth control pills , or atypical antipsychotics, such as olanzapine
• Increased risk of weight gain and peripheral edema if used with pioglitazone or rosiglitazone
• Increased risk of masking symptoms of hypoglycemia if used with beta-blockers
• Decreased effect of sermorelin drug

Side Effects and Dangers of Injectable Insulin

Side effects that can appear after using injectable insulin are:

• Swelling, redness, and itching in the injection area
• Weight gain
• Constipation

Consult a doctor if the above side effects do not subside or worsen. See a doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Low levels of potassium in the blood ( hypokalemia ), which can be marked by muscle cramps, body feels weak, and irregular heartbeat
• Low blood sugar levels, which can be marked by rapid heartbeat , sweating, hunger, dizziness , tremors, tingling , or blurred vision
• Swollen hands or feet
• Weight gain quickly