Safety of Rapid-Acting Insulin Analogs Versus Regular Human Insulin

Insulin is the most effective treatment for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are several differences in the safety profiles of each type of insulin, including rapid-acting insulin analogs and regular human insulin. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of those insulin types also differ, as do their safety parameters. Treatment with rapid-acting analogs results in less hypoglycemia overall and decreased frequency of both severe and nocturnal hypoglycemia. In addition, the more rapid onset and shorter duration of action of rapid-acting insulin analogs are associated with greater control of postprandial glucose than regular human insulin. This review will describe the similarities and differences between the safety profiles of rapid-acting insulin analogs.