**Introduction to Insulin Aspart** Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus. Designed to mimic the body's natural insulin response, it begins working within 10–20 minutes after injection, peaks in 1–3 hours, and lasts for 3–5 hours, making it ideal for controlling post-meal blood sugar spikes. It is commonly prescribed for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and can be administered via subcutaneous injection or insulin pump. Insulin aspart is often paired with long-acting insulin to provide comprehensive glycemic control. Its fast action and predictable profile help reduce the risk of hyperglycemia while minimizing hypoglycemic episodes when used correctly. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper dosing and administration.
Preparation Process: **Preparation of Insulin Aspart:** 1. **Gene Cloning:** The human insulin gene is modified to replace proline at position B28 with aspartic acid using site-directed mutagenesis. 2. **Expression:** The modified gene is inserted into *Escherichia coli* or *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* for recombinant expression. 3. **Fermentation:** The host cells are cultured in a bioreactor under controlled conditions to produce insulin aspart precursor. 4. **Purification:** The precursor is isolated via centrifugation, filtration, and chromatographic techniques (e.g., reverse-phase HPLC). 5. **Enzymatic Cleavage:** The precursor is treated with trypsin and carboxypeptidase B to remove the C-peptide and yield insulin aspart. 6. **Formulation:** The purified insulin aspart is dissolved in a buffered solution (pH 7.4) with zinc and preservatives for stabilization.
Usage Scenarios: **Use of Insulin Aspart:** Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to control high blood sugar in individuals with diabetes mellitus. It is administered subcutaneously before meals to manage postprandial glucose spikes, mimicking the body’s natural insulin response. It can also be delivered via insulin pumps for continuous subcutaneous infusion. Insulin aspart has a quick onset (10–20 minutes), peaks within 1–3 hours, and lasts 3–5 hours, making it suitable for mealtime glucose control. It is often combined with long-acting insulin to maintain baseline glycemic levels. Approved for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it helps reduce complications like hyperglycemia while improving overall glycemic management.