Pharmacology · Class
Insulins !
Injectable replacements for the hormone insulin. They differ mainly in how fast they start and how long they last.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
Human insulin made by recombinant DNA and modified analogues. They are grouped as rapid, short (regular), intermediate and long-acting.
Mechanism of action
All insulins activate the insulin receptor, a receptor tyrosine kinase. The PI3K–Akt pathway moves GLUT4 to the membrane in muscle and fat, and in the liver insulin favours glycogen storage and glycolysis while suppressing gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and ketogenesis. The analogues change only absorption from the injection site (how quickly hexamers break apart, or how long the insulin stays in the tissue), not the action on the receptor.
Target: Insulin receptor (receptor tyrosine kinase)
Drugs in this class
- Regular human insulinThe body's own hormone, made by recombinant DNA. Regular (short-acting) insulin replaces missing insulin and is the…Insulin receptor
- Isophane (NPH) insulinHuman insulin bound to protamine and zinc so it dissolves slowly under the skin. The classic cloudy…Insulin receptor
- Insulin glargineA long-acting insulin analogue: it forms tiny deposits under the skin and gives a steady, almost peakless basal level…Insulin receptor
- Insulin lisproA rapid-acting insulin analogue for meals: it is absorbed faster and acts for a shorter time than regular human insulin.Insulin receptor
- Insulin aspartA rapid-acting insulin analogue for meals and pumps. One amino acid change lets it break apart and enter the blood…Insulin receptor
- Insulin degludecAn ultra-long-acting basal insulin. It forms chains of hexamers under the skin and lasts beyond a day, with a flat…Insulin receptor
- Insulin detemirA long-acting basal insulin with a fatty acid tail that binds albumin, which slows its release. Often given once or…Insulin receptor
- Insulin glulisineA rapid-acting mealtime insulin analogue. Two amino acid changes let it break into monomers and be absorbed quickly.Insulin receptor
Others in the class
- insulin lispro
- insulin aspart
- insulin glulisine
- NPH (isophane) insulin
- insulin glargine
- insulin detemir
- insulin degludec
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What makes insulin lispro act faster than regular insulin if both bind the same receptor?
A small change in the B chain sequence weakens the hexamers, so the insulin breaks into absorbable monomers faster after injection. The action at the receptor is the same.
Which insulins are used for basal coverage?
Long-acting analogues (glargine, detemir, degludec) and, where they are not available, intermediate NPH insulin given once or twice a day.
Why is insulin part of the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia?
It activates the Na+/K+-ATPase and drives potassium into cells within minutes. Glucose is given with it to prevent hypoglycemia. The effect is temporary: potassium is not removed from the body.
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Human Insulin Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); Insulin in complex with Site 1 of the human insulin receptor (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2014); eEML - Electronic Essential Medicines List (World Health Organization, 2025).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.