Intermediate Acting Insulin

Insulin is used in the treatment of both type I and type II diabetes. Insulin treats these conditions by increasing uptake of serum glucose into cells, which lowers plasma glucose levels.  Insulin comes in short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms.  Care must be taken on dosing to avoid hypoglycemic states, which can result in seizures and coma.  Potassium shifts into cells with administration of insulin, so hypokalemia can result from administration.

Class Drugs

• NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn) Insulin

Class Mechanism of Action

Insulin increases uptake of serum glucose into cells, which lowers plasma glucose levels

• Insulin receptor is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor

• Receptor activation results in glucose transporters moving from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane, which promotes glucose uptake.

Intermediate-acting insulin has onset in 1-2 hours and lasts approximately 12 hours.

Class Applications

Diabetes mellitus

• Peak effect at 6 hours

• Used in conjunction with rapid or short-acting insulin to control blood sugars near mealtime

Class Adverse Effects

Hypoglycemia

Injection site reactions

Drug Table

Drug Name	Application	Comments	Image
NPH			"Nevada Public Health"