Explanation

Insulin lispro (also called Humalog) is a medicine that helps control diabetes.

What does it do?

Insulin lispro is similar to insulin - it works like insulin, but faster! It stops glucose from building up in your bloodstream.

What does it look like?

Insulin lispro is a clear liquid that you have as an Injection. It comes in a small glass container or inside an automatic injection pen called the KwikPen.

When do I have to take it?

You doctor will explain to you when you need to take insulin lispro. How often you need to take it and how much insulin lispro you need to use is different in different people.

You usually take it within 15 minutes before eating a meal, although you can use it after a meal if you have to.

But what if I don't feel like taking it?

Sometimes, you might not want to inject your insulin lispro. You might be out with friends, or busy doing something else.

You MUST use your insulin lispro as your doctor has told you to though, it's very important. If you don't take your insulin lispro, your blood glucose will rocket, and gradually cause damage to the organs in your body.

What should I do if I forget to take insulin lispro?

If you miss an injection of insulin lispro, you may get high blood sugar. You should test your blood sugar level straightaway, and tell the person looking after you so that you or they can then call your doctor for advice.

Your doctor will be able to tell you exactly what to do if you forget to take insulin lispro.

How do I take insulin lispro?

You need to have injections of insulin lispro under your skin. You can inject insulin lispro using a syringe or a special auto-injection pen.

A doctor or nurse will show both you and the adult who looks after you how to inject insulin lispro.

You inject it in your stomach, in the tops of your thighs, or in your buttocks. Sometimes your doctor might tell you to inject it into your arms.

You can also use an insulin pump. This is a small box, the size of a mobile phone, and you attach it to your belt. The insulin pump automatically injects the insulin under your skin through a tube during the day.

How much do I have to take?

Your doctor will decide what your own perfect dose of insulin lispro is.

What are the most likely side effects I might get if I use insulin lispro?

Not everybody has side effects from insulin lispro, but the one you are most likely to have is an allergic reaction in the skin where you inject it - your skin might get red, itchy or swollen.

If you don't control your blood sugar properly, you could get:

Hypoglycaemia. You get this if you inject too much insulin lispro, and you might feel dizzy, shaky or weak.

Hyperglycaemia. You get this if you don't inject enough insulin lispro at the right time. If your blood glucose is too high, you might feel very thirsty, wee a lot or things might look blurry.

Tell your doctor about these side effects so that you can get your blood glucose back at the level it should be. Never stop taking insulin lispro without asking your doctor first!

What other side effects might I get?

Sometimes, the skin where you inject insulin lispro gets thicker, or you get tiny pits in it. If you notice this, tell your doctor.

Are there any other side effects you haven't mentioned?

Very rarely, injecting insulin lispro can cause anaphylaxis.

If you think this is happening, get medical help immediately.

If you don't get your hyperglycaemia under control quite quickly, you can get diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA develops gradually over several hours or days. Signs you should look out for are:

Tiredness

Getting thirsty

Going red in the face

Fruity-smelling breath

Losing your appetite

Feeling sick

Breathing heavily

Having a fast heartbeat

If you think you are getting DKA tell the adult looking after you and contact your doctor immediately.

Is it safe for me to be taking it?

Before using insulin lispro, tell the doctor about any other medical problems that you know you have.

Tell your doctor if you have ever been allergic to insulin lispro, or any of its ingredients. If so, it isn't safe for you to take it. Your doctor will tell you to take a different type of insulin to help control your diabetes .

Is it okay for me to take insulin lispro if I'm already taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, because they might change the way that insulin lispro works in your body.

What if I have any more questions?

If you have any other questions, you can ask your doctor, or chat to other people with diabetes in the Medikidz forums and virtual world, Mediland.