From the Guidelines
Humalog (insulin lispro) is indeed a rapid-acting insulin. According to the study published in the American Family Physician in 2006 1, Humalog has an onset of action of 5 minutes, peaks in 1 to 2 hours, and has a duration of action of 3 to 4 hours. This makes it suitable for controlling postprandial blood glucose levels. Some key characteristics of Humalog include:
- Onset of action: 5 minutes
- Peak action: 1 to 2 hours
- Duration of action: 3 to 4 hours
- Cost: estimated to be around $78 for a 10-mL vial, based on average wholesale prices in 2006 1 It is essential for patients to be aware of the potential for hypoglycemia when using Humalog, especially if they take too much insulin or delay eating after administration. Patients should also be educated on recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and having a fast-acting carbohydrate source available to treat it if needed. The dosage of Humalog varies based on individual factors, including weight, meal content, activity level, and overall diabetes management plan.
From the Research
Characteristics of Humalog
- Humalog, also known as insulin lispro, is a biosynthetic insulin analogue with a rapid onset of action and a shorter duration of action compared to soluble insulin preparations 2.
- Its rapid absorption into the circulation allows for better matching of peak insulin action to food absorption following meals, resulting in better glycemic control in the immediate post-prandial period and less risk of hypoglycemia before the next meal 2.
Comparison with Other Insulins
- Humalog has been compared to ultra rapid lispro (Lyumjev) in a randomized, double-blind crossover study, which showed that ultra rapid lispro provided a faster recovery from hyperglycemia compared to Humalog in individuals with type 1 diabetes on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion 3.
- In another study, Humalog was found to improve postprandial hyperglycemia and overall glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes when used in combination with sulfonylurea therapy 4.
Effects on Blood Glucose Control
- Humalog has been shown to improve postprandial blood glucose control and reduce the incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetic patients, although it may lead to nocturnal hyperglycemia and hyperketonemia in some cases 5.
- Optimization of the evening insulin dose in patients using Humalog can help improve evening and nighttime glycemic control, with reduced-dose Humalog and increased-dose NPH at bedtime being a potential regimen 6.