Insulin Lispro 100 units
Overview
Insulin Lispro 100 units is a rapid-acting recombinant human insulin analogue developed to closely mimic the body’s physiological insulin response to meals. It differs from native human insulin by a minor amino acid rearrangement that allows faster absorption from subcutaneous tissue, resulting in a quicker onset of action and earlier peak effect. This pharmacological profile makes insulin lispro particularly effective for controlling postprandial blood glucose excursions when administered shortly before meals. Compared with regular human insulin, insulin lispro demonstrates reduced variability in absorption and a shorter duration of action, allowing greater flexibility in meal timing and dosing. It is commonly used as part of basal-bolus insulin regimens or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy to achieve precise glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. The U-100 concentration is the standard strength used in routine clinical practice and is suitable for both injection and insulin pump delivery.
Background and Date of Approval
Insulin lispro was developed in the early 1990s as the first rapid-acting insulin analogue using recombinant DNA technology. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved insulin lispro in June 1996 for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The European Medicines Agency granted approval in April 1996, establishing insulin lispro as an internationally accepted therapy for prandial glucose control. The 100 units per millilitre formulation became the standard approved concentration for clinical use, enabling consistent dosing and compatibility with insulin delivery devices including pens and pumps. These approvals were supported by pharmacokinetic and clinical studies demonstrating faster onset of action, improved postprandial glucose control, and an acceptable safety profile compared with regular human insulin.
Uses
Insulin Lispro 100 units is indicated for the treatment of adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require insulin therapy. It is primarily used to manage postprandial hyperglycemia and is commonly combined with a longer-acting basal insulin as part of an intensive insulin regimen. Insulin lispro may also be used for correction dosing to address elevated blood glucose levels and is suitable for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy in appropriately selected patients.
Administration
Insulin Lispro 100 units is administered by subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm, with rotation of injection sites to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and local reactions. It is typically injected within 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after eating, depending on individual glycemic patterns and meal timing. Dosing is individualized based on body weight, insulin sensitivity, dietary intake, physical activity, and blood glucose monitoring results. Frequent glucose monitoring is essential to guide dose adjustments and maintain optimal glycemic control. When used in insulin pumps, only U-100 insulin lispro is recommended to ensure accurate delivery.
Side Effects
The most common side effect of Insulin Lispro 100 units is hypoglycemia, which may manifest as sweating, tremor, palpitations, hunger, dizziness, headache, or confusion. Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain can occur. Weight gain may be observed with ongoing insulin therapy, particularly when glycemic control improves. These side effects vary among individuals and are generally manageable with appropriate dosing, monitoring, and patient education.
Warnings
Serious adverse events include severe hypoglycemia, which can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, or death if not promptly treated. Insulin therapy may also cause hypokalemia due to intracellular potassium shifts, potentially resulting in cardiac arrhythmias. Rare systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been reported. Insulin Lispro 100 units should not be administered during episodes of hypoglycemia. Caution is required in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as reduced insulin clearance may increase the risk of prolonged hypoglycemia.
Precautions
Before initiating insulin lispro therapy, baseline assessment of glycemic control and review of concomitant medications are recommended. Medications such as beta-blockers, alcohol, corticosteroids, and other glucose-lowering agents can alter insulin requirements or mask symptoms of hypoglycemia. Insulin needs may change during illness, surgery, pregnancy, stress, or significant changes in diet or physical activity. Patients should be counselled on proper injection technique, consistent meal timing, and recognition and management of hypoglycemia.
Expert Tips
Effective use of Insulin Lispro 100 units requires individualized dose titration and regular review of self-monitored blood glucose records. Educating patients on carbohydrate counting and timing of rapid-acting insulin relative to meals improves glycemic outcomes. Encourage patients to carry a readily available source of fast-acting glucose. For patients using insulin pumps, ensure appropriate training in device operation, infusion set changes, and troubleshooting to maintain consistent insulin delivery and reduce complications.