When you found out you had diabetes, your doctor probably told you to take insulin. It's normal to feel a little scared and worried, "Oh, will I have to take injections from now on?" But don't worry. This is something that will help your body a lot. Today, we'll talk about Insulin Lispro, a special type of insulin used for diabetes that works quickly.
First of all, what is insulin?
Simply put, insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies. Think of it as our body's smart "sugar controller." It has two main functions:
- Converting the sugar (glucose) in the food we eat into energy, like gasoline for our bodies' cars.
- If more sugar accumulates in the blood than our body needs, the excess is stored in the liver.
In this way, insulin helps a lot in maintaining our blood sugar levels at a healthy level.
So what is Insulin Lispro?
Insulin Lispro is a type of human insulin that is made in a laboratory. It is called a fast-acting insulin analog . This means:
- This is very similar to the natural insulin in our own bodies.
- However, this is designed to take effect within a few minutes of injection.
This medication comes under different brand names, such as `Admelog®` and `Humalog®`. Your doctor may prescribe one of these for you.
Who is Insulin Lispro used for?
You may need this vaccine if you have diabetes. There are two main types of diabetes, right?
- Type 1 diabetes: This often starts in childhood. What happens here is that our body's immune system attacks and destroys the cells that make insulin. As a result, the body is unable to produce insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: This is a condition that develops gradually over time. It can be caused by factors such as poor eating habits and being overweight/obesity. What happens here is that the body produces insulin, but it is not enough to control blood sugar, or the insulin does not work properly.
Insulin Lispro is used as a treatment for both of these types.
How does this vaccine work inside the body?
Imagine, when a healthy person eats food, as soon as the food is digested and sugar starts to accumulate in the blood, the body suddenly releases a surge of insulin as if to prepare for it. But this doesn't happen properly in the body of a person with diabetes.
That's what the insulin lispro injection does. When taken a few minutes before a meal, it quickly releases the amount of insulin needed to control the amount of sugar added to the blood after a meal.
Do I need to use other types of insulin?
Yes, many times, especially people with Type 1 diabetes have to use two types of insulin. The reason for this is that different types of insulin work in different ways. Let's see how that works.
| Insulin type | Time taken to operate | Duration of effect |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid-acting (Example: Insulin Lispro) | 5 - 15 minutes | 2 - 4 hours |
| Regular/Short-acting | 30 minutes | 3 - 6 hours |
| Long-acting | A few hours | 24 hours or more |
Rapid-acting insulins, such as Insulin Lispro, are used before meals to control the blood sugar spikes that occur at that time. Long-acting insulins help keep blood sugar levels under control throughout the day. Your doctor will decide the type and dose of insulin you need.
Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you have an allergy to insulin, metacresol, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives.
- If you have blurred vision or diabetic retinopathy.
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- If your blood sugar drops frequently (hypoglycemia).
How do I use this vaccine correctly?
Your doctor will tell you exactly what dose you need. It is very important to follow those instructions exactly. The usual way to get the vaccine is as follows:
1. Get insulin vials, cartridges, or pens as prescribed by your doctor.
2. If you are using a pen, attach a new needle to the front of it.
3. Remove the protective cap on the top of the container.
4. Prime the pen before injecting (that is, adjust the needle until a small drop of insulin comes out of the needle). This will remove any air bubbles trapped in the needle.
5. Inject Insulin Lispro 5-15 minutes before a main meal .
Very important: It is imperative to have a meal ready before getting this vaccine. Do not delay eating after getting the vaccine. Doing so can cause dangerously low blood sugar.
What happens if you take too much Insulin Lispro (overdose)?
Yes, if you inject too much of this vaccine, it can be dangerous. If that happens, your blood sugar will drop too low (hypoglycemia). Let's break down the symptoms of this and what to do about it.
| Status | Symptoms | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Normal sugar level | • Anxiety • Anxiety • Dizziness • Nausea • Excessive sweating or hunger | Immediately eat or drink something sugary (2-3 teaspoons of sugar, glucose, a sweet drink). |
| Severe hypoglycemia (overdose) | • Difficulty breathing • Loss of consciousness (syncope) • Seizure | Take the person to a hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. This is a medical emergency. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. |
What if I forget to get vaccinated before eating?
- If it hasn't been too long since you've eaten, you can get the vaccine as soon as you remember.
- But if it's been a long time, wait until the next dose. Never take two doses to make up for a missed dose.
- If you are not sure what to do, call your doctor for advice.
Take-Home Message
- Insulin Lispro is a fast-acting insulin that is taken a few minutes before meals.
- Always prepare food before getting vaccinated. Don't delay eating after getting vaccinated.
- Be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) (dizziness, sweating, extreme hunger). If this happens, eat something sugary immediately.
- Never change your insulin dose without your doctor's advice.
- Do not throw used needles in the trash. Collect them safely in a sharps container and dispose of them properly.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or fears about this medication, discuss them with your doctor.


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