Review: Insulin glulisine — the potential for improved glycaemic control

Tight glycaemic control is essential to reduce the risk of developing the micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Plasma levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA _1C) are a marker for long-term glycaemia; controlling these levels within tight limits forms the cornerstone of long-term diabetes management. As a result of evidence from key clinical trials in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, HbA1C targets ranging from < 6.5 to < 7.5% have been set by various authorities. To achieve these targets, insulin regimens need to reflect normal physiological insulin release. Several rapid- and long-acting insulin analogues have been developed to mimic aspects of insulin secretion. Insulin glulisine is a genetically engineered insulin which has a rapid onset and short lived action, allowing it to closely mimic prandial release of insulin. In addition to the structural change in the insulin molecule, the absence of excess zinc and the addition of polysorbate 20 as a surfactant facilitates its disassociation in the subcutaneous tissue and inhibits its aggregation when used in subcutaneous insulin delivery systems due to improved physical stability.