Insulin

Insulin is a lifesaving blood sugar (blood glucose)–lowering medication necessary for everyone with type 1 diabetes and many people with type 2 diabetes. Various insulins work in different ways in the body. Long-acting and ultra-long-acting insulin (sometimes called basal, or background, insulin) help lower blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. They are not meant to process blood sugar changes after meals or heavy snacks. Rapid-acting insulin (often called bolus insulin) is used to lower the rise in glucose around mealtimes and to correct high blood sugar. Insulin is also available in short- and intermediate-acting forms, plus insulin mixtures. Your doctor will help determine which insulin and other diabetes medications are best for your diabetes management needs.

What is biosimilar insulin? 

A biosimilar insulin is very similar to the original (reference) product. It is considered safe and effective, just like the original product it is compared to. An interchangeable biosimilar insulin is a biosimilar insulin that is further tested and found to be so similar to the original (reference) product that each one can be switched for the other. All biosimilar products meet rigorous Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. You can be confident that biosimilar products are as safe and effective as the original product.

What is a non-branded or un-branded biologic insulin?

A non-branded or un-branded biologic insulin is exactly the same as the brand-name product, but the brand name is not on the label.

 Having trouble affording your insulin? These resources can help.