I would like to switch to using an insulin pen, preferably one that uses the BD Ultra Fine III Short Pen Needles (or equivalent). I want a fast-acting insulin. What I am really confused about is the difference between Humulin N and Humulin R, mainly the difference in how quickly they work. I would prefer to stick with Lilly, as they make my other pen, Byetta, and would likely use the same type of pen needle.
2006-09-08 09:34:55 · 13 answers · asked by lilmizzaniml 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
I have discussed this with my doctor, she just wasn't sure which types of insulin are available in a pen. She agreed with me on using fast-acting, and it will only be used as a back-up to the Byetta. This is just a matter of finding the type of insulin we are looking for in a pen. So far, the Humalog sounds about right.
2006-09-08 11:21:51 · update #1
R is short for regular. It is equivalent to the insulin that comes from the pancreas. It starts working in 30-45 minutes, peaks at about 1-2 hours, and lasts for about 4-6 hours.
N is short for NPH. It is regular insulin suspended in a special solution to make it absorb more slowly. It peaks in about 4-5 hours, and lasts for about 8 hours. This is used for basal insulin, usually 2 times a day. It's absorption can be very irregular leading to wide swings in sugar.
Humalog, also made by Lily, is human insulin with 2 of the amino acids switched. It starts working in 15-20 minutes, peaks in about 1 hour, and lasts for about 3-5 hours.
Lantus is a long acting, "peakless" insulin that you could take once a day for basal insulin.
2006-09-08 10:18:42 · answer #1 · answered by J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Years ago when I had a insulin pen, I could just only get it with Novolin N. This is the long acting insulin that does not begin to work in your body until about an hour after you take it. The Humulin R is the shortest acting insulin that you have to use along with Humulin N. Humulin R takes about thirty minutes to react. That is why you have to wait about thirty minutes after you take your shot to eat. Lilly is good, but I am not on an insulin pump and taking Humalog insulin, which takes about fifteen minutes to start working. The insulin pump continuously distributes insulin in yoiur body, and the only time you need extra insulin is when you are eating something. I have had diabetes for twenty years, and the older I got, the more insulin I needed and the more control I needed. The insulin pen only has one type of insulin in it, and the majority of the time it is the long acting insulin. It just depends on what company you get it from. It is not difficult at all to use. The same as shots really, but the measurements are more accurate and there is less of a chance to have air bubbles.
2006-09-08 09:48:23 · answer #2 · answered by sassy sista 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-05-17 15:14:23 · answer #3 · answered by Ferdinand 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-18 14:20:49 · answer #4 · answered by Mavis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-24 04:32:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not under any circumstances switch to an insulin pen without asking your medical care provider what you should do. Your existing condition will determine what is best for you. You can also go on Lilly's web-site. They address a lot of issues and I have also seen an 800 number so that you can speak directly with a professional.
2006-09-08 09:40:59 · answer #6 · answered by Notorious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humulin R does not come in a pen. Humulin N is not fast acting- it's intermediant acting.
If you want a fast acting insulin made by Lilly that comes in a pen, Humalog is the only choice, and requires a prescription.
Novolog also comes in a pen, but is made by Novo Nordisk.
Pen needles are pretty standard, and the BD needles will fit the Novolog pen or the Humalog pen.
2006-09-08 10:47:25 · answer #7 · answered by blondy2061h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget anything you have ever been told about Diabetes. And get this - it has nothing to do with insulin, exercise, diet or anything else you've heard in the past. It's all based on latest breakthrough research that Big Pharma is going Stir Crazy to hide from you. Visit here : https://tinyurl.im/aH1QT to find out what all the fuss is about.
2016-04-22 14:28:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Humalog is the quickest acting insulin by Lilly and it comes in a pen. R is a quick acting insulin, but N is not, more intermediate acting.
2006-09-08 09:40:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forget anything you have ever been told about Diabetes.
And get this - it has nothing to do with insulin, exercise, diet or anything else you've heard in the past. It's all based on latest breakthrough research that Big Pharma is going Stir Crazy to hide from you.
Visit here : https://tr.im/bAhoA to find out what all the fuss is about.
2016-01-21 02:53:10 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋