**Introduction to Insulin** Insulin is a life-saving hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Produced naturally by the pancreas, insulin helps cells absorb glucose for energy. For people with Type 1 diabetes or advanced Type 2 diabetes, synthetic insulin is a critical treatment to manage their condition. Available in various forms—rapid-acting, long-acting, and intermediate—insulin therapies are designed to mimic the body’s natural insulin response. Modern advancements, such as insulin pumps and smart pens, have improved dosing accuracy and convenience. As a cornerstone of diabetes care, insulin plays a vital role in preventing complications and enhancing quality of life for millions worldwide.
Preparation Process: **Preparation Method of Insulin:** 1. **Gene Cloning:** The human insulin gene is inserted into a plasmid vector, which is then introduced into *E. coli* or yeast (e.g., *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*) for recombinant production. 2. **Fermentation:** The host cells are cultured in large-scale fermenters under controlled conditions to express proinsulin. 3. **Harvesting & Lysis:** Cells are lysed, and inclusion bodies containing proinsulin are isolated via centrifugation. 4. **Refolding:** Proinsulin is solubilized and refolded using redox buffers to form correct disulfide bonds. 5. **Enzymatic Cleavage:** Proinsulin is treated with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B to remove the C-peptide, yielding active insulin. 6. **Purification:** Insulin is purified via chromatography (e.g., reverse-phase HPLC) and crystallized. 7. **Formulation:** Stabilized with zinc and preservatives for therapeutic use.
Usage Scenarios: Insulin is a peptide hormone used primarily to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus. It facilitates cellular uptake of glucose, promotes glycogen synthesis in the liver, and inhibits gluconeogenesis. In type 1 diabetes, insulin replacement is essential due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. In type 2 diabetes, it may be required when oral medications fail to maintain glycemic control. Insulin is administered via subcutaneous injection or insulin pump, with various formulations (rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting) tailored to mimic physiological secretion. It prevents hyperglycemia-related complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, and cardiovascular disease. Proper dosing is critical to avoid hypoglycemia.