How does Human Insulin benefit a Diabetic?

Published Date : 2017-06-20

Insulin is produced in the pancreas whenever the blood glucose rises above the appropriate level. Diabetic patients could either not produce Insulin naturally or their body doesn’t respond to it well. In such cases they have to be provided Insulin from the outside sources. ‘Human Insulin’ was developed in the late 1970s. Copied from the insulin produced by the pancreas,it is produced in the laboratory. It works by helping the sugar in bloodstream (glucose) to be absorbed by the cells so the body can use the sugar for energy. Before human insulin, the insulin made from animals was used for treatment.

Market for Human Insulin

Changing lifestyle with the upcoming generation and the rise of obesity with rising cases of diabetes are fuelling the growth of the human insulin market. The global market for human insulin was evaluated at USD 24.3 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 49.1 billion by 2020 rising at a CAGR of 12.4%. The market driving factors for this market are changing lifestyle, growing cases of geriatric and obese population as well as positive factors like favourable government policies and technological innovations. The only factors which could restrain the growth of this market are the cost of production and the delay in approval for new technology.

Strong market growth in North American region in this case could be attributed to patent protection; however Asia Pacific is also expected to witness a high growth in this market due to highly concentrated population and increasing demand for healthcare.

Why and how is it taken?

Human Insulin is doctor prescribed medicine and could be taken as inhalation powder or as an intravenous injection. It is of various types:

• Basal or long acting insulin works slowly and is often taken before bedtime.
• Bolus or fast acting insulin is used to quickly control the blood sugar.
• Premix combines both the previous type and is given at doctor’s discretion.

Regular human insulin is given along with proper diet to maintain the blood sugar at normal level in diabetic patients. There are various ways to take the Insulin including, IVs, inhalers, Insulin pens, etc.

In the end of 1990s, ‘Analog insulin’ was developed. It is also made in laboratory but genetically altered to result in faster or more uniform effect on blood sugar levels.

Risks attached with Human Insulin

• Hypoglycaemia: It is very low blood sugar and could be life threatening to a person. Symptoms include sweating, hunger, faster heartbeat, blurred vision, anxiety, etc.
• Injection site complication: These include redness, swelling and itching at the site of injection and might also result in shrinking or thickening of skin.
• Allergy: Rashes, breathing problem, might even result in fainting.