Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin analog that is used to lower blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. It has a spectrum of action that is like regular human insulin, but with a faster onset and shorter duration of action. 

insulin glulisine starts to work within 15 minutes of subcutaneous injection, with peak activity occurring between 30-90 minutes after injection. Its duration of action is typically 3-5 hours, depending on the dose and individual patient factors. 

The rapid onset of action of insulin glulisine makes it effective in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels after a meal), which is a common problem in patients with diabetes. insulin glulisine can be used as a standalone therapy or in combination with other types of insulin or oral antidiabetic agents. 

Insulin glulisine has a faster onset and shorter duration of action compared to regular human insulin, making it more effective in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia. However, it may be less effective in controlling basal glucose levels, which may require the addition of a longer-acting insulin. 

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin glulisine can be influenced by several factors, including the dose, timing of administration, injection site, and the presence of other drugs or medical conditions. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dose and administration schedule for insulin glulisine based on your individual needs and response to treatment. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not Defined 

Hypoglycemia 

Insulin resistance 

Local allergic reaction 

Hypokalemia 

Lipodystrophy 

Lipohypertrophy 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

insulin glulisine is contraindicated in patients who have an allergy or hypersensitivity to insulin glulisine or any of its components. It should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or in patients with hypoglycemia unawareness.  

insulin glulisine should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, as they may be more susceptible to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) due to altered insulin clearance. Patients with adrenal or pituitary insufficiency may require higher doses of insulin glulisine due to impaired stress response.  

Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) should not use insulin glulisine as the sole treatment for their condition. Insulin glulisine should be used with caution in patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy or other eye disorders, as it may cause changes in vision or worsen existing eye conditions.  

insulin glulisine may interact with other drugs, including oral antidiabetic agents, glucocorticoids, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors, among others. Patients should inform their healthcare providers of all medications they are taking before starting insulin glulisine. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

It is not secure to administer insulin glulisine during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data about the excretion of insulin glulisine in human breast milk is available. Avoid using in lactating women. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: No evidence of risk to the fetus is found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a human product; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergencies for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women.  
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin analog that is structurally like natural human insulin. It works by binding to the insulin receptors on the surface of cells in the body, thereby promoting the uptake and utilization of glucose by the cells. This helps to lower the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream. 

Compared to regular human insulin, insulin glulisine has a faster onset of action, reaching peak activity within 30-90 minutes after injection. Its duration of action is shorter, typically lasting for 3-5 hours. This rapid-acting profile makes insulin glulisine an effective option for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels after a meal). 

Insulin glulisine is formulated as a clear and colorless solution for injection. It is available as a prefilled pen, cartridge, or vial for subcutaneous injection. insulin glulisine should be administered immediately before or after a meal to mimic the natural insulin response after eating.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

The pharmacodynamics of insulin glulisine can be influenced by several factors, including the dose, timing of administration, injection site, and the presence of other drugs or medical conditions. For example, insulin glulisine may have a faster onset of action and shorter duration of activity when injected into the abdomen compared to other injection sites. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The bioavailability is 70% after subcutaneous absorption 

The onset of action takes place in 20 min (for SC abdominal/deltoid injection) and 30 min (for SC femoral injection) 

The peak plasma concentration is achieved in 1 hour 

The peak Plasma Concentration is 83 microUnits/mL 

The duration of action is 5 hours 

Distribution 

The Protein Bound is 5%  

The volume of distribution is 13 L 

Metabolism 

More than 50% is metabolized in liver; 30% in kidney and 20% in adipose tissue/muscle E

limination and Excretion  

The half life id 13 minutes for intravenous absorption and 42 minutes for subcutaneous absorption  

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Here are the general steps for administering insulin glulisine: 

• Check the expiration date and appearance of the insulin before using it. insulin should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy or discolored. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them. 
• Prepare the injection site by cleaning it with an alcohol swab. Let the area dry before injecting. 
• Remove the cap from the insulin pen, cartridge, or vial. 
• Prime the pen, cartridge, or vial as per manufacturer instructions. 
• Dial the dose of insulin as per your healthcare provider’s instructions. 
• Pinch the skin at the injection site to create a fold. 
• Insert the needle into the fold of skin at a 90-degree angle. 
• Slowly inject the insulin and hold the needle in place for a few seconds. 
• Remove the needle from the skin and dispose of it in a sharp’s container. 
• Replace the cap on the insulin pen, cartridge, or vial. 
• Massage the injection site gently to help the insulin absorb. 
• Record the time and dose of insulin injected in your logbook or mobile app. 
• Wash your hands again. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: insulin glulisine 

Pronounced: IN-su-lin-GLOO-lis-een 

Why do we use insulin glulisine? 

insulin glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin analog that is used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus. It is specifically used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

insulin glulisine is used to mimic the natural insulin response after a meal. When taken shortly before or after a meal, insulin glulisine can help regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake and storage of glucose in the body’s cells, reducing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. 

insulin glulisine has a fast onset of action, typically within 15 minutes after injection, and reaches peak activity within 30-90 minutes. This rapid activity profile helps to prevent postprandial hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar levels after a meal. 

Compared to regular human insulin, insulin glulisine has a faster onset of action, shorter duration of activity, and a lower risk of hypoglycemia. It can be used alone or in combination with other types of insulin, such as long-acting insulin, to provide optimal glycemic control for people with diabetes.