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question

What is premixed insulin?

American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association
answer
Premixed insulins have two types of insulin in one bottle. The action times for each will depend on the type and amount of insulin in the mixture.

Examples of premixed insulins include:
 
  • Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30 and Humulin 50/50: These are mixtures of intermediate and short acting insulin.
  • Humalog Mix 75/25 and Novolog Mix 70/30: These are mixtures of intermediate and rapid-acting insulin.
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD
Stacy Wiegman, PharmD
Pharmacy
answer

Premixed insulin is a combination of two insulins mixed together: one insulin that is short-acting (for example regular insulin, R) or fast-acting (for example insulin lispro or insulin aspart), plus one insulin that is intermediate-acting (for example protamine insulin, NPH, N; insulin lispro protamine; insulin aspart protamine). One example of a premixed insulin product is Novolin 70/30 insulin, which is 70% Novolin N plus 30% Novolin R. Since the mixture is 100 units per m.l, each ml. of Novolin 70/30 contains 70 units of Novolin N plus 30 units of Novolin R. Another group of premixed insulin products is the newer premixed insulin group. These are Novolog 70/30, Humalog 75/25 and Humalog 50/50. Novolog 70/30, for example, contains 70% insulin aspart protamine and 30% insulin aspart.

Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about the benefits of each type of insulin and which will work best for you.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.