Diabetes Education and Research Center
Tips for Managing your Diabetes
Human Insulin Analogs
Human insulin analogs are variations (analogs) of human insulin. They are created by slightly altering the structure of human insulin, changing the time action of the insulin. Insulin analogs are being developed to more closely mimic the time action of endogenous insulin (insulin naturally secreted from the pancreas).
For example, insulin is a protein consisting of strands of amino acids. Insulin lispro (currently manufactured by Eli Lilly) is an analog with two amino acids reversed in position. Insulin lispro has a faster onset of activity (peaks 2 times sooner) than regular insulin. Because of this faster action, the analog is taken directly before eating to lower glucose levels during and immediately after meals.
Advantages of insulin lispro:
- Better accommodation of insulin to lifestyle
- No waiting to eat after injection
Copyright © 1999 Diabetes Education and Research Center