Insulin
Pronunciation: (IN-suh-lin).
- Generic name
- Insulin
- Brand names
- Huminsulin, Afrezza, NovoLog, Insulatard, Mixtard, Novolin
- Drug class
- Antidiabetic agent (Hormone)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: India
Australia: · Full directory
What Insulin 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 works
Insulin lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake (especially by skeletal muscle and fat), inhibiting hepatic glucose production, and suppressing lipolysis and proteolysis. It binds to insulin receptors on cell membranes, activating intracellular signaling pathways that promote glucose transport into cells and regulate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. (1)
What Insulin is used for
Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) — FDA-approved indication, to improve glycemic control
Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) — FDA-approved indication, to improve glycemic control (2) (3)
Gestational diabetes — a standard, well-supported treatment during pregnancy when needed, though product labeling names diabetes mellitus generally rather than gestational diabetes specifically
Gestational diabetes — a standard, well-supported treatment during pregnancy when needed, though product labeling names diabetes mellitus generally rather than gestational diabetes specifically (2) (3)
Diabetic ketoacidosis — treated with insulin in a hospital setting
Diabetic ketoacidosis — treated with insulin in a hospital setting (2) (3)
Hyperkalemia — recognized off-label emergency use (insulin given with glucose to shift potassium into cells), a standard hospital practice rather than a primary FDA-approved indication
Hyperkalemia — recognized off-label emergency use (insulin given with glucose to shift potassium into cells), a standard hospital practice rather than a primary FDA-approved indication (2) (3)
Before taking Insulin
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to insulin or its excipients and during episodes of hypoglycemia. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2) (3)How to take Insulin
- General Instructions: Use insulin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Dosage and timing depend on your blood sugar levels, type of insulin, and meal schedule. Never share needles, syringes, or insulin pens with anyone else.. Adult Dosing: Dosing is individualized. Typical starting doses for type 1 diabetes are 0.4-1.0 units/kg/day, divided into multiple injections. For type 2 diabetes, starting doses are often lower and titrated based on response.. Pediatric Dosing: Children with type 1 diabetes usually start at 0.5-1.0 units/kg/day, adjusted based on age, weight, and blood glucose monitoring.. Administration: Inject subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites to prevent skin problems. Some insulins may be given by inhalation (e.g., Afrezza).. If You Are Considering Stopping: Seek medical advice first; the clinician managing your diabetes care can advise on whether and how to adjust or stop insulin, since stopping suddenly can cause dangerously high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or diabetic ketoacidosis.. Storage: Store unopened insulin in the refrigerator (2-8°C/36-46°F) until the expiration date. Once opened, most products can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) for about 28-31 days depending on the specific product — check your product's own labeling for its exact in-use period. Do not freeze; discard if it has been frozen.
- 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) (3)
Missed dose
Missed-dose guidance varies by insulin type and regimen (mealtime/bolus insulin is handled very differently from long-acting/basal insulin), so ask your prescribing clinician in advance what to do if you forget a dose of your specific insulin. In general, do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed one without that specific guidance — monitor your blood sugar and contact your healthcare provider if you are unsure.
Overdose
An insulin overdose can cause severe hypoglycemia, which may be life-threatening. Symptoms include confusion, sweating, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, fainting, or seizures. Seek emergency medical help immediately. (2) (3)
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
Weight gain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Injection site reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Lipodystrophy
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Peripheral edema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
Hypoglycemia is the most common and most serious risk of insulin therapy — it can be life-threatening, potentially causing seizures, unconsciousness, or death — serious
Symptoms: Hypoglycemia is the most common and most serious risk of insulin therapy — it can be life-threatening, potentially causing seizures, unconsciousness, or death. Risk is higher with changes in meal pattern or activity, renal or hepatic impairment, or certain medications. People with long-standing diabetes, or who take beta-blockers, may notice fewer warning symptoms of low blood sugar (beta-blockers can mask them) and should monitor blood sugar more closely as a result.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Hypokalemia — serious
Symptoms: Hypokalemia: insulin shifts potassium into cells and can lower blood potassium to levels that are potentially life-threatening in severe cases, including risks of breathing muscle weakness (respiratory paralysis) or dangerous heart rhythms (ventricular arrhythmia). People at risk for low potassium should have this monitored by their healthcare team.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Never share needles, syringes, or insulin pens with another person, even if the needle is changed — sharing carries a risk of transmitting blood-borne infections — serious
Symptoms: Never share needles, syringes, or insulin pens with another person, even if the needle is changed — sharing carries a risk of transmitting blood-borne infections.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Monitor blood sugar regularly to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia — serious
Symptoms: Monitor blood sugar regularly to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Adjust insulin dose only under medical supervision. Be aware of symptoms of low blood sugar and carry a source of fast-acting sugar. Inform all healthcare providers and pharmacists that you use insulin. Insulin needs may change with illness, stress, or changes in diet or activity.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to insulin or its excipients and during episodes of hypoglycemia. Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, elderly patients, and those with fluctuating eating patterns or physical activity.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2) (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Insulin can interact with many medications, including oral diabetes medicines, beta-blockers, corticosteroids, diuretics, and some antidepressants. These interactions may increase or decrease blood sugar levels. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. | (1) |
| Thiazolidinediones (TZDs, e.g., pioglitazone) | Combining a TZD with insulin can cause dose-related fluid retention and may cause or worsen heart failure, even in people without prior heart disease. Report new or worsening swelling, shortness of breath, or rapid weight gain to your healthcare provider. | (3) |
| ACE inhibitors, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and other antidiabetic agents | These may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin. | (3) |
| Beta-blockers | Beta-blockers can mask the usual warning symptoms of hypoglycemia (such as a racing heartbeat), making low blood sugar harder to notice — this is in addition to any direct effect on blood sugar. | (3) |
| Niacin and salicylates | May interact with insulin and affect blood sugar control. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Decades of published studies on insulin use in pregnancy have not shown an established association with birth defects or other adverse pregnancy outcomes, and insulin is generally considered a standard, preferred treatment for diabetes — including gestational diabetes — when medication is needed during pregnancy. The specific insulin type and dose should be determined by the treating clinician, with close blood-glucose monitoring throughout pregnancy. (2) (3)
Breastfeeding
Insulin does transfer into breast milk to some degree, but it is a naturally occurring protein normally present in milk and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding by most clinical references; treatment needs and breastfeeding plans should be discussed with the prescribing clinician. (2) (3)
Children
Frequency: Administered subcutaneously 1 to 3 times daily, depending on regimen.. Weight Based: 0.5 to 1.0 units/kg/day, adjusted based on blood glucose levels.. Max Daily Dose: Not established; individualized based on patient needs.. Max Single Dose: Not established; titrate based on individual response.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children under 2 years of age. (2) (3)
Renal_impairment
The clinician record advises caution in renal or hepatic impairment; insulin requirements often change (frequently decrease) as kidney or liver function declines because these organs help clear insulin, so dosing must be individualized by the treating clinician with closer glucose monitoring rather than a fixed adjustment table. (2) (3)
Hepatic_impairment
The clinician record advises caution in renal or hepatic impairment; insulin requirements often change (frequently decrease) as kidney or liver function declines because these organs help clear insulin, so dosing must be individualized by the treating clinician with closer glucose monitoring rather than a fixed adjustment table. (2) (3)
Monitoring
(2) (3)Storage
Store unopened insulin in the refrigerator (2-8°C/36-46°F) until the expiration date. Once opened, most insulin products can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) for about 28-31 days depending on the specific product — always check your product's own labeling for its exact in-use period. Do not freeze; discard if it has been frozen.
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, typically starting at 0.5 to 1.0 units/kg/day.
Renal context: No fixed renal-dose-adjustment table exists; insulin requirements often decrease as kidney function declines because the kidneys help clear insulin, so dosing is individualized with closer monitoring rather than a set adjustment. (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is insulin used for?
Insulin is used to control blood sugar in people with diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes (when other treatments are not enough), and gestational diabetes.
How do I know if my insulin is working?
You should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. If your blood sugar stays within your target range, your insulin is working as intended. Symptoms of high or low blood sugar may indicate a need for dose adjustment.
What should I do if I experience low blood sugar?
If you feel symptoms of low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion), eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (such as glucose tablets, juice, or candy) and recheck your blood sugar. Seek medical help if symptoms are severe or do not improve.
Can insulin be taken orally?
No, insulin cannot be taken by mouth because it is broken down in the digestive system. It must be injected or inhaled.
How should I store my insulin?
Unopened insulin should be stored in the refrigerator until its expiration date. Once opened, most products can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) for about 28-31 days depending on the specific product — always check your product's own instructions for its exact in-use period, and never freeze insulin.
What are the signs of an insulin allergy?
Signs include rash, itching, swelling at the injection site, or more severe reactions like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Seek medical attention if you suspect an allergy.
Can I use insulin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Insulin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but your dose may need adjustment. Always consult your healthcare provider.
What happens if I take too much Insulin?
Taking too much insulin can lead to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), characterized by symptoms like dizziness, confusion, sweating, tremors, and even loss of consciousness. If you suspect an overdose, consume a fast-acting carbohydrate if conscious, and seek immediate emergency medical attention. Untreated severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Insulin?
Drinking alcohol while taking insulin can significantly increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to release stored glucose, making it harder to recover from low blood sugar. It's crucial to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized guidance on safe limits and monitoring strategies.
Is Insulin safe during pregnancy?
Decades of published studies on insulin use in pregnancy have not shown an established link to birth defects or other adverse pregnancy outcomes, and insulin is generally considered a standard, preferred treatment for diabetes during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, when medication is needed. The specific insulin type and dosage should be carefully determined by a healthcare provider, with close monitoring of blood glucose levels throughout pregnancy.
What is the mechanism of action of Insulin?
Insulin lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake (especially by skeletal muscle and fat), inhibiting hepatic glucose production, and suppressing lipolysis and proteolysis. It binds to insulin receptors on cell membranes, activating intracellular signaling pathways that promote glucose transport into cells and regulate carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. (1)
What is the generic name of Insulin?
The generic name is Insulin. It is sold under brand names including Huminsulin, Afrezza, NovoLog, Insulatard, Mixtard, Novolin.
What class of drug is Insulin?
Insulin is classed as: Antidiabetic agent (Hormone).
References
- Insulin — MedGuideGlobal clinician medicine recordMedGuideGlobal clinician-authored medicine record (internal database) · Global (non-country-specific clinician reference) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Insulin Injection: MedlinePlus Drug InformationMedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- HUMULIN R (insulin human injection) prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration (DailyMed) · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 3
- BASAGLAR KWIKPEN (INSULIN GLARGINE) INJECTION, SOLUTION BASAGLAR TEMPO PEN (INSULIN GLARGINE) INJECTION, SOLUTION [ELI LILLY AND COMPANY] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- ADMELOG — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA BLA209196)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Insulin — 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 names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
India
- Human Actrapid40 IU/ml · Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd · regular human insulin
- Human Insulatard40 IU/ml · Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd · isophane (NPH) human insulin
- Human Mixtard30/70 40 IU/ml, 30/70 100 IU/ml, 50/50 40 IU/ml · Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd · biphasic human insulin
- Huminsulin (R / 30-70)40 IU/ml, 100 IU/ml · Lupin
- Lupisulin (R / N / M 30-70 / M 50-50)40 IU/ml, 100 IU/ml · Lupin
- Insugen (R / 30-70)100 IU/ml · Eris Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
- Xsulin 30/70100 IU/ml · Eris Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
- Wosulin 30/70100 IU/ml · Wockhardt Limited
- Novorapid100 IU/ml · Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd · insulin aspart
- Humalog100 IU/ml, 200 IU/ml · Cipla Limited · insulin lispro