From the Guidelines
Humalog (insulin lispro) is not equivalent to NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin due to their distinct pharmacokinetic profiles and uses in diabetes management. The key differences between Humalog and NPH insulin lie in their onset, peak, and duration of action. According to the study published in the American Family Physician in 2006 1, Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 5 minutes, peaking in 1 to 2 hours, and a duration of 3 to 4 hours. In contrast, NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin with an onset of 1 hour, peaking in 6 to 8 hours, and a duration of 12 hours.
Key Characteristics of Humalog and NPH Insulin
- Onset of Action: Humalog starts working within 5 minutes, while NPH insulin takes 1 hour to begin its action.
- Peak Action: Humalog peaks in 1 to 2 hours, whereas NPH insulin peaks in 6 to 8 hours.
- Duration of Action: The effects of Humalog last for 3 to 4 hours, compared to NPH insulin which lasts for 12 hours.
- Usage in Diabetes Management: Humalog is typically used for mealtime insulin coverage and correcting high blood sugar levels, whereas NPH insulin provides background insulin coverage over longer periods.
Given these differences, it is crucial for patients to understand the specific characteristics of their insulins and never substitute one type for another without medical guidance, as this could lead to dangerous blood sugar fluctuations 1. The distinct molecular structures and pharmacokinetic profiles of Humalog and NPH insulin underscore their non-interchangeable roles in managing diabetes effectively.
From the Research
Comparison of Humalog and NPH Insulin
- Humalog (insulin lispro) and NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin are two different types of insulin with distinct properties and uses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin analogue with a faster onset of action and shorter duration of activity compared to regular human insulin 2, 3, 6.
- NPH insulin, on the other hand, is an intermediate-acting insulin with a slower onset of action and longer duration of activity 4, 5.
- Studies have shown that Humalog can be used in combination with NPH insulin to achieve better glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus 4, 5.
- The combination of Humalog and NPH insulin allows for more flexible injection schedules and improved postprandial glucose control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia 5, 6.
Pharmacological Properties
- Humalog has a more rapid onset of action and shorter duration of glucose-lowering activity compared to human regular insulin 3, 6.
- The pharmacological properties of Humalog provide a rationale for its use in comparative clinical trials with human regular insulin in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes 6.
- NPH insulin has a slower onset of action and longer duration of activity, making it suitable for use as a basal insulin therapy 4, 5.
Clinical Efficacy
- Clinical trials have shown that Humalog is effective in improving postprandial glucose control and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus 2, 4, 5, 6.
- The use of Humalog in combination with NPH insulin has been shown to be effective in achieving better glycemic control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes 4, 5.
- Patients perceive their quality of life to be improved with Humalog compared to human regular insulin, and satisfaction with treatment is greater with the insulin analogue 6.