From the Guidelines
Humalog doses should be administered three times daily, before each main meal, with the specific dose depending on individual factors such as blood glucose levels, carbohydrate intake, physical activity, and insulin sensitivity. The recommended starting dose of mealtime insulin is 4 U per meal, 0.1 U/kg per meal, or 10% of the basal insulin dose per meal if the HbA1c level is less than 8% 1.
- Dosing is highly personalized and may range from a few units to significantly higher amounts based on these factors.
- Many patients use carbohydrate counting to determine their dose, with insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios (such as 1 unit per 10-15 grams of carbs) guiding how much to take.
- Humalog works rapidly, beginning to lower blood glucose within 15 minutes, peaking in 30-90 minutes, and lasting 3-5 hours.
- This rapid action makes it ideal for mealtime coverage but requires careful timing with food intake to avoid hypoglycemia.
- Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential for safe and effective Humalog dosing, as stated in the 2017 American Diabetes Association standards of medical care in diabetes 1.
From the Research
Humalog Dosing Frequency
- The dosing frequency of Humalog (insulin lispro) is typically before meals, with the exact timing dependent on the individual's needs and meal schedule 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that administering Humalog immediately before meals can provide better postprandial glucose control compared to human regular insulin 2, 3, 4.
- The frequency of Humalog doses can vary, but it is often administered 3-4 times a day, before each main meal, with the possibility of an additional dose at bedtime if needed 5, 4.
- The dosing schedule may need to be adjusted based on individual factors, such as glucose levels, meal patterns, and physical activity 3, 6.
Key Considerations
- Humalog has a faster onset of action and a shorter duration of action compared to human regular insulin, which allows for more flexible dosing and better postprandial glucose control 2, 3.
- The use of Humalog in combination with other diabetes medications, such as sulfonylureas or metformin, can provide additional benefits in terms of glucose control and reduced hypoglycemia risk 5, 6.
- Individualized dosing and titration of Humalog are crucial to achieve optimal glucose control and minimize the risk of hypoglycemia 3, 4.