Last update Feb. 1, 2025
Compatible
We do not have alternatives for Insulin since it is relatively safe.
Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.
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Insulin in other languages or writings:
Main tradenames from several countries containing Insulin in its composition:
Variable | Value | Unit |
---|---|---|
Oral Bioavail. | 0 | % |
Molecular weight | 5.808 - 6.060 | daltons |
Protein Binding | 5 | % |
VD | 0. 15 - 0.37 | l/Kg |
Tmax | 1.5 (variable) | hours |
T½ | 2 (variable) | hours |
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e-lactancia is a resource recommended by Amamanta of Spain
Would you like to recommend the use of e-lactancia? Write to us at corporate mail of APILAM
Insulin is a polypeptide hormone produced in the pancreas. Its function is to allow the entry of glucose into the cells for the normal functioning of metabolism. In type 1 diabetes the pancreas stops producing insulin; in type 2 diabetes there is not enough insulin to metabolize the ingested diet. Insulin as a drug must be administered parenterally (subcutaneously or intravenously) since it is not absorbed in the intestine.
Insulin administration is fully compatible with breastfeeding (Serrano 2015, Rowe 2013, WHO 2002). This is valid for any of its types and preparations: human, porcine, bovine, regular or soluble simple, delayed, protamine, rapid-acting (aspart, lispro, glulisine) or prolonged-acting (glargine, detemir, degludec) analogues, NPH, protamine, zinc, etc.
Its null oral bioavailability prevents its passage into the infant's plasma from ingested breast milk since, due to its protein nature, it is degraded in the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed (Rowe 2013). It has been administered orally to premature infants to improve their feeding tolerance. (Mank 2022)
Insulin is a normal component of colostrum and breast milk (Vass 2023, Young 2017, Whitmore 2012, Ley 2011, Shehadeh 2003 and 2001, Koldovský 1995, Jovanovic 1989, Kulski 1983) and decreases the risk of type 1 diabetes in breastfed infants, as it promotes gut maturation and induces insulin tolerance, suggesting its incorporation in commercial infant formulas (Mank 2022 and 2021, Shehadeh 2001;2 and 2001;90). Insulin concentration in donated breast milk decreases after pasteurization. (Law 2011)
Insulin requirements decrease after delivery and during the first months, more so in breastfeeding women, although to a highly variable extent. (Skajaa 2023, Kakoulidis 2022, Ringholm 2020, Nørgaard 2020, Roeder 2016, Riviello 2009, Davies 1989)
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