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Insulin (umbrella)

Insulin (general)

Brand names: Actrapid, Humulin, Insulatard

Insulin is the principal glucose-lowering hormone, given as replacement therapy in type 1 diabetes and in type 2 diabetes or other hyperglycaemic states when other measures are insufficient.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It promotes cellular glucose uptake, suppresses hepatic glucose production and inhibits lipolysis and ketogenesis, lowering blood glucose.

Prescribing in practice

  • Hypoglycaemia is the major risk, and insulin is a recognised high-alert medicine for which prescribing units in words ('units', never 'U') and double-checking are essential to avoid serious dosing errors.
  • Never abruptly stop insulin in type 1 diabetes, as this precipitates diabetic ketoacidosis even during intercurrent illness.
  • Numerous formulations with different onset and duration exist; specify the exact preparation and device to avoid confusion.

Monitoring

Monitor capillary blood glucose, HbA1c and for hypoglycaemia, with ketone monitoring during illness in insulin-dependent patients.

Counselling the patient

  • Learn to recognise and treat hypoglycaemia and always carry fast-acting carbohydrate.
  • Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy and never share pens or needles.
  • Follow sick-day rules and do not stop insulin if you are unwell or eating poorly.

Evidence & guidelines

Insulin is life-sustaining in type 1 diabetes, and intensive control is supported by landmark trials such as the DCCT.

Reference: NICE NG17/NG28; ABCD/JBDS guidance; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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