Frequently asked questions for Insulin Aspart
Insulin Aspart
Q. What class of medicine is Insulin Aspart?
Insulin Aspart belongs to the class of antidiabetic medications. It is a type of insulin analog which is prescribed in diabetic adults and children of age 1 year and above. This medicine is used to help improve blood sugar levels and glycemic control. Q. What is Insulin Aspart made from?
Insulin Aspart is a fast-acting, man-made version of human insulin. It is produced by the process of biotechnology called recombinant DNA technology. In this technology, the DNA is purposefully altered to get the desired product by using a fungus called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is sold as a sterile, aqueous, clear, and colorless solution that contains insulin aspart along with other constituents like glycerin, phenol, metacresol, zinc, sodium chloride etc.Q. How should Insulin Aspart be given?
The dose of Insulin Aspart is prescribed depending upon the need of the individual. Take Insulin Aspart regularly and take it exactly as per your doctor’s advice. It is usually given in combination with intermediate-acting or long-acting insulin. It is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) 5-10 minutes before a meal, but make sure you eat a meal or snack within 10 minutes of the insulin injection to avoid low blood sugar. It can also be given immediately after the meal.Q. Does Insulin Aspart make you gain weight?
Yes, Insulin Aspart causes weight gain when used alone or when taken along with other insulin therapies. This weight gain is a common phenomenon. The reason for weight gain is the decrease in excretion of glucose through urine. It may also occur due to the anabolic effects (promoting fat and protein formation) of insulin. Consult your doctor to know the exact reason and remedy for this.Q. Will I need Insulin Aspart for the rest of my life?
f you are a type 1 diabetes patient, then yes, you have to take Insulin Aspart for the rest of your life because your body is unable to produce sufficient insulin. Therefore, you would need Insulin Aspart as an external source of insulin. However, if you are a type 2 diabetes patient, your doctor may ask you to stop Insulin Aspart, in some cases, if you were able to manage your diabetes well and your blood sugar levels are controlled with exercise, diet and oral medicines.Q. Can the use of Insulin Aspart cause hypoglycemia?
Yes, the use of Insulin Aspart can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level). Symptoms of hypoglycemia include nausea, headache, irritability, hunger, sweating, dizziness, fast heart rate and feeling anxious or shaky. It happens more often if you miss or delay your food, drink alcohol, over-exercise or take other antidiabetic medicines along with it. So, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is important. Always carry some sugary candies, glucose, glucon-D or fruit juice with you.Q. Is Insulin Aspart fast acting?
Insulin Aspart is a fast-acting insulin which is given to improve blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Since this medicine starts working very quickly as compared to the regular insulin, it controls the immediate post-meal high blood sugar. Therefore, it can be injected subcutaneously 5-10 minutes before a meal. Moreover, if you miss taking it, you can also take it after your meal.Q. Is Insulin Aspart safe to be used in pregnancy?
Yes, Insulin Aspart is considered safe to use in pregnancy if prescribed by your doctor. Your dosage may need to be adjusted by your doctor and you may also require more frequent blood glucose monitoring. Consult your doctor if you become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant while using Insulin Aspart.