Rapid-acting insulin glulisine: a new tool for postprandial glucose control

Abstract

Insulin glulisine (Apidra®, Sanofi-Aventis) is a novel, rapid-acting insulin analog that replicates normal mealtime insulin secretion more closely than regular human insulin. Compared with regular human insulin, glulisine has a more rapid onset of action and shorter duration of effect, affording greater flexibility in the timing and content of meals. Additionally, optional pre- or postmeal administration makes glulisine well suited for patients who eat erratically or have difficulty remembering premeal injections. This attribute is clinically relevant because addressing postprandial hyperglycemia may help attenuate cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among diabetic patients. Insulin glulisine is safe when used for pump therapy and its rapid-acting properties are maintained consistently across patient types and body mass indices, making it an effective and versatile tool for postprandial glucose control.