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Review
. 2024 Nov 27;16(11):e74593.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.74593. eCollection 2024 Nov.

Newer Insulin Preparations and Insulin Analogs

Devkumar D Tiwari  1 , Vandana M Thorat  1 , Dr Prathamesh V Pakale  1
Affiliations
Review

Newer Insulin Preparations and Insulin Analogs

Devkumar D Tiwari et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus represents a significant and growing global health challenge, with its prevalence steadily increasing. Insulin therapy remains a cornerstone of diabetes management. Since its discovery in 1921, insulin has undergone substantial advancements, evolving from crude animal extracts to highly refined recombinant formulations and biosimilars. This review explores the progression of insulin therapies, emphasizing the evolution from conventional insulins to modern analogs designed to mimic endogenous insulin more effectively. The limitations of early insulin formulations, such as unpredictable absorption, rigid dosing regimens, and an increased risk of hypoglycemia, highlighted the need for improved therapies. Modern insulin analogs, including fast-acting (e.g., insulin lispro), long-acting (e.g., insulin glargine and insulin degludec), and ultra-long-acting (e.g., insulin icodec) options, address these challenges by providing stable and consistent pharmacokinetics, along with enhanced glycemic control. Furthermore, biosimilar insulins, produced via recombinant DNA technology, have increased accessibility while maintaining therapeutic efficacy and safety. Recent innovations, such as ultra-long-acting insulins and combination therapies like insulin icodec with semaglutide, offer the potential to reduce injection frequency and enable personalized diabetes care. These advancements contribute to improved patient compliance, reduced glycemic variability, and an enhanced quality of life. This review highlights the critical role of ongoing research and innovation in insulin therapy to meet the evolving needs of diabetes management.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus type i; frederick banting; long-acting insulin; porcine; reference insulin glargine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Timeline of the development of insulin
This image was illustrated by Mr. Devkumar D. Tiwari, one of the authors.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Advantages of newer insulin and disadvantages of conventional insulin
This image was illustrated by Mr. Devkumar D. Tiwari, one of the authors.
Figure 3
Figure 3. Insulin analogs
Source: [3,33-41].
Figure 4
Figure 4. Classifications of insulin preparations and analogs
This image was illustrated by Mr. Devkumar D. Tiwari, one of the authors.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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