Frequently asked questions for Insulin Isophane
Insulin Isophane
Q. How does biphasic isophane insulin work?
Insulin isophane is a recombinant human insulin analogue (genetically modified insulin that is grown in a laboratory and similar to human insulin). It is an intermediate acting insulin preparation. Insulin isophane acts by replacing the normal production of insulin and by helping transfer sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is utilized to generate energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar. Intermediate acting insulin preparations start acting within an hour or 2 of injection, and reach a period of peak activity that lasts up to 7 hours, following which the action trails off; overall duration of action ranges from 18 to 24 hours.Q. What is Insulin Isophane? How is it made?
Insulin Isophane is a man-made version of human insulin, produced by the process of biotechnology called recombinant DNA technology. It is sold as a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution that contains insulin aspart along with other constituents like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, sodium chloride etc.Q. Can Insulin Isophane cause hypoglycemia? How do I prevent it?
Yes. The most common side effect of Insulin Isophane is hypoglycemia. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicine along with it. So, don’t skip meals and be consistent in the timing and amount of your meals. Take some snacks as per your requirement if you over exercise. Regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some glucose tablets, honey or fruit juice with you. Take all your medicines prescribed by the doctor on time and consult your doctor if you notice any fluctuations in your blood sugar levels.Q. What are the other side effects of Insulin Isophane? How to prevent them?
The other side effects of Insulin Isophane are injection site reactions such as redness, itching, pain and swelling. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Rarely, it can also cause lipodystrophy, which means abnormal changes in the fat tissues due to repeated insulin injections in the same area of the skin. It includes lipohypertrophy (thickening of adipose tissue) and lipoatrophy (thinning of adipose tissue), and may affect insulin absorption. Rotate insulin injection or infusion sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy.Q. How should Insulin Isophane be used?
Insulin Isophane is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will show you the area of your skin where you should inject it. Try not to inject on the same spot every time. Rotate between the typical injection sites, such as abdomen, buttocks, upper legs, or upper arms. Never inject Humalog into a muscle or vein. Move to a new injection site every week or two. Inject in the same area of the body, making sure to move around within that area with each injection, for one or two weeks.Then move to another area of your body and repeat the process. Use the same area for at least a week to avoid extreme blood sugar variations.Q. Is Insulin Isophane given as an injection into a vein (intravenous)?
Yes, sometimes, in specific situations like diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hyperglycemia etc, Insulin Isophane may be given as an injection into a vein (intravenous). However, it is only given by a doctor, under continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels in a hospital setting.Q. Is Insulin Isophane safe to use in pregnancy?
Yes. Insulin Isophane is safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by a doctor. However, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding before using Insulin Isophane. You may require dose modifications and your doctor will advise you to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. You must follow the instructions of your doctor to get maximum benefit.Q. When does the dosage of Insulin Isophane need to be changed?
You should consult your doctor for dose adjustment if you experience weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, changes in diet such as missed meals or if you are taking alcohol. Your dose may also change if you have recently changed your exercise regime or are taking any medicines. Also, you must be vigilant on the changes you experience while first using Insulin Isophane. For eg, you may notice certain side effects that are usually temporary but if these are very severe, you may need dose modifications.