Insulin

How it works

Binds insulin receptors on muscle, fat and liver so they pull glucose from the blood. Analogs come fast for meals or slow all day.

What it's made of

Human insulin has 51 amino acids in two chains. The analogs change one or two, or add a fatty acid. Glargine changes one in the A chain and adds two arginines to the B chain: it is released slowly.

What it's for

Prescribed for

Type 1 diabetes, where it is essential, and type 2 when other treatments are not enough.