Table of Contents
Introduction
Insulin Aspart, sold under the brand name NovoLog, represents a significant advancement in insulin therapy. As a rapid-acting insulin analog, it has transformed the management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, providing better glucose control and flexibility in meal planning.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Insulin Aspart has a quicker onset and shorter duration of action compared to regular human insulin. It begins to work within 10-20 minutes of injection, peaks at around 1-3 hours, and continues to be effective for 3-5 hours. This rapid action closely mimics the body’s natural insulin response to meals.
Clinical Use
NovoLog is typically administered before meals to control postprandial blood glucose levels. Its rapid action allows for more precise matching of insulin doses to carbohydrate intake, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. It is also used in insulin pumps for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
Benefits and Limitations
The primary benefit of Insulin Aspart is its ability to provide better postprandial glucose control with fewer hypoglycemic episodes. However, like all insulin therapies, it requires careful monitoring and dose adjustment to achieve optimal control.
Conclusion
Insulin Aspart has significantly improved the management of diabetes, offering patients more flexibility and better control over their blood glucose levels. Its rapid action and efficacy make it a vital component of modern insulin therapy regimens.