Cover image

ON THE COVER:

Insulin. Computer artwork of a molecule of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It consists of two peptide chains, A and B, linked by disulfide bridges. The atoms of the disulfide bridges are color-coded: carbon (white), nitrogen (blue), sulfur (yellow) and oxygen (red). Both chains contain areas of alpha helical (coils) structure. Insulin is released from the pancreas when blood sugar levels are high, for example after a meal. It instructs liver, muscle and fat cells to absorb the glucose and store it as glycogen (liver and muscle) or fat. Insufficient production of insulin leads to an accumulation of glucose in the blood and diabetes.

Image by Phantatomix/Photo Researchers, Inc. Image and text copyright 2008 Photo Researchers, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Licensed from Photo Researchers, Inc. for reproduction by Clinical Medicine & Research.

See related article:

"Insulin Analogs: Impact on Treatment Success, Satisfaction, Quality of Life, and Adherence" pp. 54–67.

In this issue of Clinical Medicine & Research, Hartman discusses the role insulin analogs have in treating patients with diabetes. The biochemical, pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic characteristics of these analogs and their potential clinical benefits are addressed.