Absorption kinetics of subcutaneously injected insulin

Abstract

The absorption of subcutaneously injected insulin was examined by injecting semisynthetic [³H] insulin in anaesthetized pigs and subsequently analysing the tissue excised from the injection site. Contrary to previously accepted views, a significant proportion of insulin was degraded at the injection site. The disappearance of intact [³H] insulin from the injection site followed a monoexponential function with a half-time of 59 min.