Insulin Human
Pronunciation: (HYOO-myoo-lin).
- Generic name
- Insulin human
- Brand names
- Huminsulin, Humulin N, Insuman Rapid, Humulin M3, Humulin R, Humulin I
- Drug class
- Antidiabetic agent (Insulin)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Insulin human is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Insulin human works
Humulin (insulin human) is a recombinant human insulin that acts as a replacement for endogenous insulin. It facilitates cellular uptake of glucose, promotes glycogen synthesis, and inhibits hepatic glucose production, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. (1)
What Insulin human is used for
Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Used as essential, ongoing replacement therapy for the insulin the body no longer produces. (2)
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Used to improve blood glucose control when other treatments are not sufficient, alone or combined with other diabetes medications. (2)
Gestational diabetes
Used to manage blood glucose during pregnancy when diet and lifestyle changes are not enough, under close obstetric and endocrine supervision. (2)
Before taking Insulin human
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to insulin human or excipients, and during episodes of hypoglycemia. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Insulin human
- General Instructions: Use Humulin exactly as prescribed. Dose and timing depend on your blood sugar levels, diet, and activity.. Adult Dosing: Typical starting doses are individualized. For type 1 diabetes, total daily insulin is usually 0.5–1 unit/kg/day, divided between meals and/or bedtime. For type 2 diabetes, dosing varies based on blood glucose response.. Pediatric Dosing: Children require individualized dosing based on age, weight, and blood glucose monitoring. Pediatric doses are typically similar to adults on a per kg basis.. Administration: Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to reduce risk of lipodystrophy.. When To Stop: Do not stop using Humulin without consulting your healthcare provider. Stopping suddenly can cause dangerously high blood sugar.. Storage: Store unopened vials/pens in the refrigerator (2-8°C) until the expiration date, or at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 31 days. Once in use (opened), keep at room temperature (below 30°C) and use within 31 days. Diluted insulin (e.g., prepared for an IV infusion) has a shorter window: 28 days refrigerated or 14 days at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, check your blood sugar and take the next dose as scheduled. Do not double doses. Contact your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
Overdose
An overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms include confusion, sweating, tremors, and loss of consciousness. Seek emergency medical help immediately. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Hypoglycemia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Injection site reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Weight gain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Lipodystrophy
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Peripheral edema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Insulin, including Humulin, shifts potassium from outside cells to inside cells and can lower blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) — serious
Symptoms: Insulin, including Humulin, shifts potassium from outside cells to inside cells and can lower blood potassium levels (hypokalemia). Untreated hypokalemia can cause dangerously irregular heart rhythms, breathing muscle weakness, and can be life-threatening. Your clinician monitors potassium levels if you are at higher risk (for example, if you are also taking other medications that lower potassium, or during significant illness).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
If insulin is used together with a thiazolidinedione medicine (a type of oral diabetes medicine such as pioglitazone), fluid retention can occur and may cause or worsen heart failure — serious
Symptoms: If insulin is used together with a thiazolidinedione medicine (a type of oral diabetes medicine such as pioglitazone), fluid retention can occur and may cause or worsen heart failure. Tell your clinician promptly about swelling, rapid weight gain, or shortness of breath if you are on this combination, so they can reassess your thiazolidinedione dose.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Monitor blood sugar regularly to avoid hypoglycemia — serious
Symptoms: Monitor blood sugar regularly to avoid hypoglycemia. Insulin needs may change during illness, stress, or changes in diet/exercise — work with your care team to adjust your dose in those situations rather than changing it on your own. Do not share insulin pens or syringes with others. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Report any signs of allergic reaction or injection site problems.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to insulin human or excipients, and during episodes of hypoglycemia. Use with caution in renal/hepatic impairment, during intercurrent illness, or with fluctuating activity levels. Humulin R (the short-acting, regular formulation) is the only Humulin product approved for intravenous use, and only under medical supervision with close monitoring of blood glucose and potassium; other Humulin formulations (such as Humulin N/NPH or Humulin 70/30) are for subcutaneous injection only.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Humulin may interact with other medications that affect blood sugar, such as oral antidiabetic drugs, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, and certain antibiotics. Some drugs may increase or decrease insulin requirements. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Available human data spanning decades have not established an association between insulin use and major birth defects or miscarriage. The bigger risk in pregnancy comes from poorly controlled diabetes itself, which can cause maternal and fetal complications — insulin is essential and is not stopped because of pregnancy. Dosing needs typically change during pregnancy and require close monitoring by the treating clinician and obstetric team. (2)
Breastfeeding
Insulin does pass into human breast milk, but no adverse reactions have been reported in breastfed infants. Because insulin is essential for the mother's health, it is continued during breastfeeding, with the treating clinician weighing benefits and monitoring as needed. (2)
Children
Frequency: Administered subcutaneously, usually 1 to 3 times daily before meals.. Weight Based: Starting dose typically 0.5 to 1.0 units/kg/day, adjusted based on blood glucose levels.. Max Daily Dose: Up to 2.5 units/kg/day, depending on blood glucose control.. Max Single Dose: Not established; individualized based on clinical response.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children under 2 years of age. (2)
Renal_impairment
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment are at increased risk of hypoglycemia, because insulin clearance can be affected. The prescribing clinician typically adjusts the dose more often and recommends more frequent blood glucose monitoring in these patients. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
Patients with renal or hepatic impairment are at increased risk of hypoglycemia, because insulin clearance can be affected. The prescribing clinician typically adjusts the dose more often and recommends more frequent blood glucose monitoring in these patients. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Unopened vials/pens: refrigerate at 2-8°C until the expiration date, or store at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 31 days. Once opened, keep at room temperature (below 30°C) and use within 31 days. Diluted insulin prepared for IV infusion is stable for a shorter time: 28 days refrigerated or 14 days at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Type 1 diabetes mellitus
Dose summary: Individualized dosing based on blood glucose levels and patient needs; typically initiated at 0.5 to 1.0 units/kg/day.
Renal context: No fixed renal-impairment dose reduction is specified; patients with renal impairment are at increased hypoglycemia risk and typically need more frequent clinician-directed dose adjustment and more frequent blood glucose monitoring. (1) (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is Humulin used for?
Humulin is used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes mellitus, including both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
How should I inject Humulin?
Humulin should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) in areas such as the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent skin problems.
What should I do if I experience low blood sugar?
If you have symptoms of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion), eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (such as glucose tablets or juice) and check your blood sugar. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe.
Can I use Humulin while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Yes, insulin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but your dose may need adjustment. Always consult your healthcare provider.
How do I store Humulin?
Store unopened Humulin in the refrigerator (or at room temperature below 30°C for up to 31 days). Once opened, keep at room temperature and use within 31 days. Do not freeze.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to Humulin?
Signs include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help if these occur.
Can I drink alcohol while using Humulin?
Alcohol can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Limit or avoid alcohol while using Humulin.
What happens if I take too much Humulin (Insulin human brand)?
Taking too much Humulin can lead to severe hypoglycemia, characterized by symptoms like dizziness, confusion, sweating, and tremors. In extreme cases, it can result in seizures or loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, consume a fast-acting sugar source immediately and seek emergency medical attention without delay.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Humulin (Insulin human brand)?
Consuming alcohol while taking Humulin can significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to release stored glucose, potentially leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol, and always discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Is Humulin (Insulin human brand) safe during pregnancy?
Decades of human data have not shown insulin use to be associated with major birth defects or miscarriage, and insulin is essential for managing diabetes safely during pregnancy — untreated or poorly controlled diabetes is the greater risk to both mother and baby. Dosing needs often change during pregnancy and require careful, individualized monitoring by your doctor and obstetric team.
What is the mechanism of action of Insulin human?
Humulin (insulin human) is a recombinant human insulin that acts as a replacement for endogenous insulin. It facilitates cellular uptake of glucose, promotes glycogen synthesis, and inhibits hepatic glucose production, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. (1)
What is the generic name of Insulin Human?
The generic name is Insulin human. It is sold under brand names including Huminsulin, Humulin N, Insuman Rapid, Humulin M3, Humulin R, Humulin I.
What class of drug is Insulin human?
Insulin Human is classed as: Antidiabetic agent (Insulin).
References
- Humulin (Insulin human brand) – clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- HUMULIN R – insulin human injection, solutionU.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- HUMULIN 70/30 (INSULIN HUMAN) INJECTION, SUSPENSION HUMULIN 70/30 KWIKPEN (INSULIN HUMAN) INJECTION, SUSPENSION [ELI LILLY AND COMPANY] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Human Insulin Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- AFREZZA — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA BLA022472)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Insulin human — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 253182)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Insulin human names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Humulin R100 [iU]/mL · eli lilly and company
- Novolin 70/30100 [iU]/mL · a-s medication solutions
- AFREZZA12 [arb'U], 4 [arb'U], 8 [arb'U] · mannkind corporation
- Novolin N100 [iU]/mL · novo nordisk
- Humulin 70/30100 [iU]/mL · eli lilly and company
- Humulin R U-500500 [iU]/mL · eli lilly and company
- Humulin N100 [iU]/mL · eli lilly and company
- Novolin R100 [iU]/mL · novo nordisk
- MYXREDLIN1 [iU]/mL · baxter healthcare corporation