Insulin lispro, a new insulin analog.

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analog to regular insulin. Inversion of the proline-lysine amino acid sequence at positions 28 and 29 on the B chain is responsible for its more rapid absorption, faster onset, and shorter duration of action compared with regular insulin. The fast onset of action allows for greater flexibility in dosing and mealtime scheduling. Insulin lispro provides equivalent or slightly improved glycemic control in patients with types I and II diabetes mellitus compared with regular insulin, without subsequent increases in hypoglycemic episodes. It also results in greater reduction in postprandial blood glucose excursion than regular insulin. Compared with other insulins, insulin lispro represents a more physiologic approach to exogenous insulin therapy.