Insulin (medication)

Insulin (medication) is the use of insulin and similar proteins as a medication to treat disease. Insulin comes in a number of different types including short acting (such as regular insulin) and long acting (such as NPH insulin). Insulin is used to treat a number of diseases including diabetes and its acute complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states. It is also used along with glucose to treat high blood potassium levels. Side effects may include: low blood sugar levels, skin reactions at the site of injection and low potassium levels among others. Insulin was first used as a medication in Canada by Charles Best and Frederick Banting in January 1922.