humulin r insulin

A: it depends on what you are using it for

humulin r is only rapid acting insulin that is used for bolus and pumping, whereas the 30/70 is a mix that contains humulin r and a longer acting insulin.

also, it depends on your body, how it reacts to the insulin, so the best person to ask this question is an endocrinologist, a specialist in the endocrine system, which the pancreas belongs to, so most endocrinologists are experts in diabetes treatment.

Q: is there a difference between INSULINS (short acting) Novolin R, Humulin R and insulin, regular?
Just curious if there is a difference and if so what is it?
im not taking insulin by the way. I am studying pharmacology for Rn school. The instructors have asked us to study insulin over the holidays and get ready to be tested in January. In our book it shows insulin short acting and insulin Reg with the name Novolin R and Humulin R. Just trying to differentiate.

A: Like Regular, Humalog and Novolog are used to cover meals and snacks. Most meals raise the blood sugar for only 2 to 3 hours afterwards. Once injected, Regular insulin takes 30 minutes to begin working, peaks between 2 and 4 hours and hangs on for 6 to 8 hours, long after the meal stopped raising the blood sugar. Humalog and Novolog, on the other hand, begin working in about 10 minutes, peaks at one to one and a half hours and are gone in about three and a half to four hours.

Many people who've tried these faster insulins report that their control is improved and that they feel better. The great advantage of fast insulins are that they match the "action time" for most meals. You can take them as you begin eating, rather than the 30 to 45 minutes prior to eating required of Regular. No longer do you need to accurately anticipate when you (or your young child with diabetes) will begin eating. In addition, Humalog and Novolog leave your body faster so you don't have residual insulin causing low blood sugars in the late afternoon or, even worse, in the middle of the night.

For most meals, fast insulins will be lowering the blood sugar at the same time the food is raising it. The rise in the blood sugar seen in the couple of hours after eating is much lower, especially with Novolog, and by the end of three hours the blood sugar is often back to its starting point.

With Humalog or Novolog, you're better equipped to prevent spiking blood sugar between meals, while avoiding the lows that result from the combined buildup of Regular and long-acting insulins. The new Lantus insulin is an excellent choice when using these fast insulins to cover meals. The clearly defined action times for the fast insulins makes it easier to correctly adjust meal doses.

Humalog and Novolog are also excellent insulins to use to lower high blood sugars. Their faster action means that less time is spent at high blood sugar levels, and there will be less residual insulin triggering low blood sugars later.

Humalog is produced by Lilly and was first released in the U.S. in 1996, while Novolog is made by Novo Nordisk and was released in 2001. Both insulins offer quicker action time than the original "short-acting" Regular insulin, which first became available in 1921. However, users also report significant differences in activity between each of the three insulins. Let's first look at these differences.

Q: I have Type 2 Diabetes and take Humulin N and R but only have N left?
I have run out of my Humulin R insulin but still have my N left. I won't be able to get my R for a few days. I am prescribed to take both together twice a day. Is it ok to just take my N (long lasting one) only until I can get my R again? Is this safe? If anyone with Type 2 or deals with these insulins know and can lend some insight please let me know. Thanks

A: No, you cannot skip even part of your insulin.

Get some R now.

Q: has anyone ever used Humulin R with insulin pump?
right now i use Novolog, but i am pretty much out of it and my insurance doesn't kick back in until June 1st. ive talked to my doctor's office and they said they can't give me anything because i haven't been to them in a year. so i just need something to get me through at least a week until my doctor's appointment on the 3rd. till then my only option is the over the counter insulin. my perscription has also expiered, so i can't even pay out of pocket......has anyone else ever switched to Humulin temporarily? i take 1.00 an hour of Novolog.
yes, VERY frustrating when they told me they couldn't give me anything because i technically im not a patient of theirs anymore ..even though im on file!! and have an appoinment in less than a week!! when i was a patient, they had no problem giving me free stuff every now and then. i may not be their patient, but im STILL a diabetic!!the medical system is really messed up when it comes to people with chronic illnesses. i didn't ask for diabetes!
thanks to everyone for the advice and understanding. but here is an update. i called my doctor one last time to tell them i had no choice but to go on Humulin R. they called back and said, "No, don't get that stuff. come in and get some samples." .... Was that so hard?!?! lol... he said to make sure i come in for my next appointment. (well, duh!i need a new prescription!) so im thanking God for coming through for me. but it shouldn't have had to pull teeth to get something i need from my own doctor. anywho... for now, all is right with the world. =) thanks again!

A: yes you can. we have.

Damn, they wouldn't give you one vial to carry you over to your appt, huh? Talk about the punishment not fitting the crime! I've heard of punishment by death but I thought we did away with that shortly after medieval times.

Q: what insulin units on sliding scale mean?
You are also to give Humulin-R insulin 8 units (according to the sliding scale) and Humulin 70/30 insulin 36 units sub cu. q.am

A: To me, this means that you need to be able to count the number of grams of carbohydrates that you will eat at each meal, and inject an amount of insulin that will be able to handle that amount.

This is often expressed as a ratio - such as 1 unit of insulin for each 5 grams of carbohydrates, or 1 for each 10 grams. You can end up injecting a different amount of insulin at each meal depending on what you will be eating.

That requires two very important things, however:
1) that you have been given proper education by a diabetes educator on how to read nutrition labels and properly estimate food quantities so that you can properly count the grams of carbs in each meal and snack.

2) that you and your doctor, or a diabetes educator, have figured out what the proper insulin to carb ratio is for you. It will vary from person to person and you cannot generalize about what might work. Sometimes, the ratio will vary according to time of day: in the morning, perhaps the ratio is 1 to 3, for lunch and dinner, however, it might be 1 to 6. This really has to be worked out over time, by keeping very careful records of what you eat (and how many carbs are in each meal), how much insulin you inject, and what the blood sugar measurements are before, and two hours after, every meal. The doctor could suggest a ratio for you to try, but it is only by careful carb estimates and faithful recording of sugar levels that you will find out if those ratios work or need adjustment.

The other factor involved is a correction factor. If you start a meal with you blood sugar at 100, then the proper insulin to carb ratio usually works out OK. However, sometimes the glucose level before a meal will be much higher (happens to almost everyone sometimes). In that case, you would add some additional units to the amount that you calculate form the ratio. It might be something like: 1 additional unit for each 30 points that the glucose is over 140 (using US units, don't know the mmol equivalent). So, if you measured 170, you would calculate the usual insulin dose from your standard insulin to carb ratio, then add 1 unit as a correction.

If you started the meal at 200, then you would add 2 units... and so on.

It takes some effort, but it is absolutely worth it to achieve good control and to manage the disease properly. With good management, you can live a good, long, healthy life.

Q: Insulins: Humulin 70/30 & Humulin R?
Can Humulin 70/30 sub cu. once a day adn Humulin R sub cu. by sliding scale q.i.d. be mixed together?

A: Humulin 70/30 is 70% Humulin N and 30% Humulin R. When I switched from a mixture of about 80% Lilly Ultralente and 20% Semilente once a day in 1993, my doctor put me on Humulin N and Humulin R in the morning and Humulin 70/30 in the evening. I've always been sliding scale, since 1955. My mom had three semesters of medical school, so she had the knowledge to adjust my insulin dosage. I started determining my dosage when I was 14. I stopped taking the Humulin R in the morning 2 or 3 years ago. I've always been sensitive to regular insulin, and my sensitivity has increased since I've been post-menopausal, although every now and then I still have indications of a monthly hormonal cycle. The phase of the moon effects me a lot more.

Q: Is anybody on an insulin pump and what kind of insulin do you use in yours? Have you gained alot of weight?
I am using one and I use Humulin R U-500 insulin. I have gained a tremendous amount of weight.

A: i also have an insulin pump, a minimed, and am using R-Novolog insulin..U-100...never heard of the 500. i did gain weight after starting on it, and was told that people do tend to put on some weight after beginning pump therapy. it is usually caused by the more flexible lifestyle that u can lead with a pump. since bolus's can be adjusted easier, it is easier to eat extra helpings or make choices that u wouldn't have made before. another reason could be that your basal rate is set too high. my doctor told me that you should not be having low blood sugars based on the basal rate..the bs should only be adjusted based on your bolus's..does that make sense? in other words, if you are eating extra to keep up with the basal rate, it may be set too high. think back prior to the pump...were u eating less? or were u started on the pump right at the onset of your diabetes diagnosis? if so..your weight may have been down because your blood sugar was not in control..and now it is..just a couple of ideas..if you haven't seen a dietician for a while, maybe you should keep a journal of what you are eating...every bite, lol..and show the dietician..surely, he or she can give you some ideas on what may be going wrong..i know, weight control is a frustrating issue, and maybe that will help. good luck!!

Q: Any Docs or Nurses know the answer to this insulin question?
It's been a while since I've been back in the profession and going back. Obviously, one of these questions is wrong on this open book test. Anyone know and why your answer is right so I will be aware in the future?

Which is an incorrect order for insulin?

A. 5 units Humulin R subcutaneously now.
B. 10 units Humulin R subcutaneously every AM.
C. 30 units Humulin N subcutaneously every AM.
D. 60 units Humulin R subcutaneously now.
I think you're right MS3. Your answer was my first impression and now that I recall, a sliding scale doesn't even allow 60 units! If someone needed that much insulin they probably need to be on an IV drip cause their blood glucose would be well over 350 minimum. Its been 2 years since Ive been out of nursing and going back. It will all come back to me. Thanks for your help!

A: Many type 2's take 60+ units at a time.

When I was pregnant I was taking over 300+ units a day.

So you see, it is not unheard of.

Q: Why does Insulin make you gain weight?
I'm eating healthier and leaner now than I did last year before I went on insulin. Im on Lantus and Humulin R. I've gained 25 lbs and still climbing. Are there any insulins that don't make you gain weight?

A: Insulin lowers glucose through several mechanisms. One is to stimulate the conversion of glucose into fat. This is why Type 1 diabetics typically lose weight before diagnosis - less insulin means less fat storage. This is also why type 2 is typically overweight. Their bodies are resistant to insulin, so the body produces more insulin. More insulin means more fat. I believe the new Levemir insulin causes less weight gain than the Lantus, but I have not seen anyone on it, so that's all I can say. What I can say, is that Byetta has been shown to help lose weight, and it does not carry the risk of low sugar. it is still an injected drug, but weight gain is not an issue. Talk to the doc about it. He may be willing to put you on byetta (assuming your insurance will cover it of course - meds only help if you can afford them!)(also assuming you are type 2. if you are type 1, ask about the levemir)

Q: can humulin r and lantis be mixed?
my sister in law wants to know if you can mix humulin r and lantis? i personally dont know about insulin but she called and told me to look it up on the internet. thanks

A: lantis should NOT be mixed with anything

Q: difference between humulin n and novolin n?
my boyfriend has been a diabetic since seven years old. He has always used humulin n and r insulin injetctions up until the last month. He has had been changed to novolin n and r, and feels his body is not reacting in a positive way to the change. I need to know if there are any differences between the two insulins that can cause his body to react to any changes in the insulin.

A: My understanding is that they are essentially identical and that little to no changes should be required. Is there a reason he's still on novolin as opposed to the newer insulins Humalog or Novolog? They are much faster-acting and effective than the older insulins. Much closer to how human insulin works. Have him ask his doc about it. It's more expensive, but most insurances cover it well now.

Q: what are some alternatives to mixing insulin?
What are some alternatives if a patient is unable to mix their morning insulin? (Type 1) Patient is taking Humulin N 15, Humulin R 5 in morning and Humulin N 7 in evening.

A: N is awful. Get a new doctor.

Seriously, there are so many better options. I did 16 years on N when there were no other options available. Now there are choices. A pump, Lantus, Levimir. Talk to the doctor, or get a new one.

Q: 2 questions about Insulin for Diabetics?
1) A diabetes poster that I am studying says Regular insulin (Humulin R, Novolin R) and intermediate acting insuline (Humulin N, Novolin N) are OTC (Over the Counter). Could this be a typo???
I thought all insulins are obtained by Rx (prescriptions) here in the United States of America.

2) The poster also goes on to say that the usual daily dose of insulin for Type 1 DM is calculated as: 0.7-2.5 unit/kg/day
But I thought I learned in school the daily dose of insulin for Type 1 DM is: 0.5-0.6 unit/kg/day.
HOWEVER, for Type 2 DM, it is: 0.7-2.5 unit/kg/day
So, which is right?

Someone please get back at me. Thank u!

A: I have to have prescriptions for all of my insulin. And as far as dosage, every person's disease is different. How much insulin a person has to take depends on their personal needs. I know people with type 2 that take 100 units of Levimir every night and day time insulin that is adjusted by what and how much they eat. Others that I know take only 20 units a night and none during the day. So, I think the poster is all messed up.

Q: I need documentatio and the answer to at what temperature humulin n are r freeze at. ?
I have been keeping the vials in their box and putting in a fridge to go lunch sak next to an ice pack and some believe the insulin will freeze that what. I haven't been able to find written documentation to say eactly what point the insulin freezes

A: insulin freezes at 32 degrees Farenheit, it should not go below 38 degrees.

Q: Mixing two types of Insulin, Need Help. Please!?
Hi all,

I am Type-1 Diabetic patient and recently I have started using Insulin. First, I was prescribed Humulin 70/30 but my blood sugar was not adjusted.
I was then prescribed with Humulin R and Humulin N to be mixed together. I notices that Insulin R was working better than N.

Now I want to ask another question.

Are there any patients that are mixing Humalog/Lispro with Insulin R or Just using Humalog/Lispro alone. Can I control my sugar better with these two or single alone?

My readings are either in 250mg/dl+ or as low as 50mg/dl. I want to stabelize my blood glucose level

Please help me out! There is no specific diabetic guidance centers in my country, My only hope are you people with experience.

I am 22yrs old.

Thanks

A: What? There are no specific diabetic guidance centers in America? You've either got to be joking, or you're not aware of where they're situated.

First of all, Humalog/Lispro is what's termed a bolus (fast-acting) insulin, which is taken at times of eating. This would not give adequate cover unless you were using a pump. (With a pump, insulin is infused continually over any 24-hour period so there's no need for a longer-acting insulin.)

Humulin R has a period of action that lasts anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, so it may not be providing you with a long enough duration of operation to act as a normal basal rate of insulin would. (The basal rate is equivalent to the tiny amounts that a healthy pancreas would be offering to the system over any 24-hour period.)

You're obviously being prescribed your insulin from a doctor somewhere, so I'd advise you to go back to that doctor and explain the sorts of blood sugar levels you're getting. (I'm sure you already realise that blood sugar levels of 50 mg/dL are too low, and you, undoubtedly, need to take remedial action to prevent you slipping further into hypoglycemia.)

Put simply then, having been diagnosed as type 1, you will, unless you're using a pump, need to have a combination of two insulins ... the longer acting one to act as a basal dose, and the shorter acting one to act as a bolus dose.

I wish you the very best of luck in getting your doctor to review your medication.

I hope you have a long, happy, healthy, and trouble-free future.