Intermediate Acting(Lente/NPH Insulin) NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin is an insoluble intermediate-acting insulin preparation first created in 1946. The name refers to N for neutral, P for protamine (a protein), and H for its creator scientist name Hans Christian Hagedorn.
Lente NPH Insulin is no longer a commonly prescribed medication. It's been largely replaced by newer, longer-acting insulin options. However, you might still encounter references to it, so here's a breakdown of its characteristics:
Type: Lente NPH Insulin was an intermediate-acting insulin suspension.
Function: It worked by regulating blood sugar levels by mimicking the body's natural insulin production. Here's a simplified explanation of how it functioned:
- Suspension: Lente insulin contained crystals that dissolved slowly after injection.
- NPH component: NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) delayed the absorption of insulin, creating a more gradual and prolonged effect compared to regular insulin.
Effect: Lente NPH Insulin provided insulin throughout the day, with:
- Onset: A slower onset of action, typically taking 1-2 hours to start lowering blood sugar.
- Peak: The peak effect occurred around 4-8 hours after injection.
- Duration: It offered a prolonged effect, lasting for up to 16-24 hours.
Why it's not commonly used anymore:
- Variability in Absorption: The absorption rate of Lente NPH could vary depending on factors like injection site and individual differences. This variability could make it more challenging to achieve consistent blood sugar control.
- Newer Options: Modern insulin formulations, like long-acting basal insulins, offer more predictable and consistent blood sugar control.
Important Notes:
- While not commonly prescribed now, understanding Lente NPH Insulin can be helpful if you encounter references to it in older medical records or discussions.
Current Options:
- Long-acting basal insulins: These provide a steady background level of insulin throughout the day and night, improving blood sugar control. Examples include Glargine (Lantus) and Degludec (Tresiba).
- Rapid-acting insulins: These work quickly to lower blood sugar levels after meals. Examples include Lispro (Humalog) and Aspart (NovoLog).