Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

06:09
An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
Published on: April 23, 2018
[Insulin analogues: modifications in the structure, molecular and metabolic consequences]
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, España. Dadluis@yahoo.es
Semergen
|March 23, 2013
Summary
This review covers modern insulin analogues for diabetes mellitus treatment, detailing rapid-acting and long-acting options. It discusses their pharmacology, administration, efficacy, safety, and controversies like cancer risk and use in pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Diabetes mellitus management has been significantly advanced by recombinant DNA technology.
- Insulin analogues offer improved efficacy and safety profiles compared to traditional insulin therapies.
Purpose:
- To review the characteristics of currently available insulin analogues.
- To describe the pharmacology, administration, indications, efficacy, and safety of rapid-acting and long-acting insulin analogues.
- To discuss controversies surrounding insulin analogue use, including cancer risk, retinopathy, and use in pregnancy.
Summary:
- Rapid-acting insulin analogues (lispro, aspart, glulisine) and long-acting analogues (glargine, detemir) are detailed.
- Key aspects covered include pharmacological differences from human insulin, administration protocols, and clinical indications.
- The review addresses safety data and ongoing debates regarding potential risks and specific patient populations.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers on insulin analogue advancements.
- Highlights areas of ongoing research and clinical debate in diabetes pharmacotherapy.
- Aids in informed decision-making regarding the optimal use of insulin analogues in diverse patient groups.
Related Concept Videos
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment primarily uses...
Insulin Formulations: Types and Delivery
Insulin preparations are categorized by their duration of action into short-acting and long-acting types. Two strategies are used to modify insulin's absorption and pharmacokinetic profile: slowing the absorption post-subcutaneous injection, or altering human insulin's amino acid sequence or protein structure. These changes retain the insulin's ability to bind to the insulin receptor, but alter its behavior in solution or after injection.
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Short-acting insulins are divided into rapid-acting...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Repaglinide (Prandin) and Nateglinide (Starlix), known as glinides, are oral insulin secretagogues that stimulate insulin release from pancreatic β cells by closing the ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP channel). Repaglinide controls insulin release from pancreatic β cells by managing potassium efflux. It shares two binding sites with sulfonylureas and also has a unique site, indicating overlapping mechanisms of action. With a rapid onset and a 4-7 hour duration, it effectively manages...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are oral hypoglycemic agents utilized in treating type 2 diabetes. They are characterized by their unique sulfonylurea chemical structure. The family of sulfonylureas is divided into generations. First-generation sulfonylureas, including tolbutamide (Orinase), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), and tolazamide (Tolinase), trigger insulin release from pancreatic β cells and enhance peripheral tissues' insulin sensitivity. The second-generation members, such as glipizide (Glucotrol),...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...

