Peptide library / Hormones & metabolism / Insulin
Insulin
The 51 amino acid hormone that lowers blood sugar, and the first peptide drug ever used in medicine.
Effects studied or claimed
What it is used or promoted for, and where each effect has actually been seen
- Blood sugar control in type 1 and type 2 diabetesFDA approved
How it is thought to work
Insulin binds receptors on muscle, fat and liver cells, prompting them to take up glucose and store it, and signals the liver to stop making new glucose.
What the evidence shows
Insulin was first used to treat a patient in 1922. Recombinant human insulin, from 1982, was the first biotech drug approved, and modern analogs are engineered for faster or longer action.
Safety and unknowns
Hypoglycemia is the main risk and can be severe. Weight gain is common.
Regulatory status
FDA-approved in many forms. Since 2020 insulin products are regulated as biologics.
Regulatory status changes quickly. This entry was last reviewed on 27 October 2026. Confirm current status with the FDA before relying on it.
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General information, not medical advice. Do not buy or inject unregulated peptides.