From the Guidelines
Novolog (insulin aspart) is a rapid-acting insulin analog, as classified in the most recent and highest quality study available 1. This classification is based on its pharmacodynamic profile, which includes a rapid onset of action, peaking in about 1-3 hours, and a duration of action of approximately 3-5 hours. The key characteristics of Novolog (insulin aspart) are:
- Onset of action: 5 minutes
- Peak action: 1 to 2 hours
- Duration of action: 3 to 4 hours
- Administration: subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Usage: typically used to cover mealtime insulin needs, can be administered just before eating Novolog (insulin aspart) is designed to mimic the body's natural insulin response to food intake, helping to prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes. It can be used in insulin pumps, pens, or with traditional vials and syringes, offering flexibility in treatment options. The most recent guidelines recommend considering the use of rapid-acting insulin analogs, such as Novolog (insulin aspart), for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who require mealtime insulin coverage 1. Overall, Novolog (insulin aspart) is a rapid-acting insulin analog that offers a convenient and effective treatment option for patients with diabetes, with its use supported by the most recent and highest quality evidence available 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Insulin Aspart is rapid acting human insulin analog NOVOLOG (insulin aspart) injection is a sterile, clear, and colorless solution for subcutaneous or intravenous use. Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting human insulin analog homologous with regular human insulin with the exception of a single substitution of the amino acid proline by aspartic acid in position B28, and is produced by recombinant DNA technology utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast).
Novolog (insulin aspart) is a rapid-acting human insulin analog. It is produced by recombinant DNA technology and has a single substitution of the amino acid proline by aspartic acid in position B28, making it distinct from regular human insulin. [2] [3]
From the Research
Insulin Type
- Novolog (insulin aspart) is a rapid-acting human insulin analog 4, 5, 6
- It has a faster onset and shorter duration of action than regular human insulin 5, 6
- Insulin aspart is used to manage type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus 4, 5
Characteristics
- Provides more rapid absorption than regular human insulin after subcutaneous administration 4
- Improves postprandial glycemic control compared with regular human insulin 4, 5
- Has a lower incidence of hypoglycemia, particularly nocturnal and severe hypoglycemic events, compared with regular human insulin 4, 5
Comparison with Other Insulins
- Similar efficacy to insulin lispro when administered by continuous subcutaneous infusion in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus 4, 5
- More effective than insulin glulisine in controlling 2- and 4-hour postprandial blood glucose excursions in prepubertal children with type 1 diabetes mellitus 7
- Fast-acting insulin aspart (FIASP) has been compared with insulin aspart (NovoLog) in the Medtronic 670G hybrid closed loop system in type 1 diabetes, with FIASP leading to a greater reduction in 1-hour postprandial glucose increase 8