Insulin Lispro

Insulin Lispro is used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It facilitates the reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and thus suppresses sugar production in the liver.

Insulin Lispro should not be given into the veins or intravenously (IV) route. It should be only administered in the subcutaneous region below the skin. Abdomen regions (stomach) is the best site for the injecting Insulin Lispro. However, you can also inject Insulin Lispro in the upper arm, or thigh region.

Yes, you should inform your doctor before travelling specially when travelling to a different time zone as a dose adjustment may be required.

Insulin Lispro is a cold chain medicine which has to be stored 2-8 degree celsius only else its efficiency of reducing blood glucose level declines. Do not keep inside the freezer. So, if it is not stored between 2-8 degree celsius its efficiency may decrease.

Insulin Lispro shows its effect within half an hour after you take it. It shows maximum effect between 1-4 hours after you take and its effects last up to 24 hours.

Insulin Lispro can be given to treat both the condition of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, your doctor will decide whether Insulin Lispro can be given to you or not depending on your present condition. Insulin Lispro should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Insulin Lispro or other forms of insulin. It should be avoided in patients suffering from low potassium level (hypokalemia), moderate to severe kidney disease or liver disease. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Yes, Insulin Lispro can cause oedema (e.g. swelling in arms, ankles; fluid retention), especially at the start of insulin therapy or during a change in therapy to improve control of your blood glucose. If it persists, please consult your doctor.

The side effects of Insulin Lispro are hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and injection site reactions (redness, swelling). If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

You are recommended to avoid white bread, maida, poori, naan, noodles, biryani, fried rice, corn flakes, cheese, ice creams, milkshakes, beef, pork, sugarcane juice, soft drinks, sweetened health drinks and beverages. Also, avoid mango, seetaphal, jack fruit, fruit salads with ice cream, and fruit-based desserts.

No, do not stop taking the injection without first consulting a doctor as discontinuing suddenly may cause high blood sugar levels and worsen the disease condition and put you at risk for complications. If you experience any discomfort or side effects, talk to your doctor as you may need a change in dose.

Taking injection at the same site may cause local irritation, itching and lump formation. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking injections at the same site or maintain a gap of at least one day.

Maintain a diet that includes chapatis, puffed rice with vegetables, multigrain bread, plain cooked dal, roasted grams soups, sprouts, cooked vegetables with less oil, steamed vegetables, orange, jamun, guava, watermelon, apple, papaya, curd, cow’s milk, thin buttermilk, fish (baked, grilled, or steamed), cashew nuts, peanuts, and walnuts (handful). Avoid alcohol consumption and quit smoking. Exercise regularly and brisk walk daily for 30 minutes. Also, limit intake of sugar.

The risk factors for developing low blood sugar levels include not taking adequate meals or skipping meals, excessive insulin use, too much alcohol intake, fever and too much exercise. Some medications, like other diabetes medicine glimepiride, medicines used for fever and pain (salicylates), ramipril, etc., can result in such episodes when used with insulin. Inform your doctor about these episodes as you may need dose adjustment.