What volume in milliliters (mL) corresponds to 10 units of insulin?

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Last updated: March 10, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

For standard U-100 insulin, 10 units corresponds to 0.1 mL. The amount of insulin in milliliters (mL) corresponding to 10 units depends on the concentration of the insulin preparation being used. For standard U-100 insulin, which contains 100 units per milliliter, 10 units would equal 0.1 mL, as calculated by dividing the number of units by the concentration (10 units ÷ 100 units/mL = 0.1 mL) 1. However, it's essential to consider that insulin also comes in other concentrations such as U-40, U-200, U-300, and U-500. Some key points to consider include:

  • With U-40 insulin, 10 units would equal 0.25 mL
  • With U-200, it would be 0.05 mL
  • With U-300, it would be approximately 0.033 mL
  • With U-500, it would be 0.02 mL Most insulin used in many countries is U-100, so 0.1 mL is the most common volume for 10 units, but it is crucial to verify the concentration of your specific insulin preparation to ensure accurate dosing 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Levemir® Insulin detemir (rDNA origin) injection NDC 68258-8977-01 List 368712 100 units/mL (U-100) 10 mL For subcutaneous use only Rx Only HOW SUPPLIED LEVEMIR is available in the following package sizes: each presentation containing 100 Units of insulin detemir per mL (U-100). The volume in milliliters (mL) that corresponds to 10 units of insulin is calculated as follows:

  • 100 units of insulin correspond to 1 mL
  • Therefore, 10 units of insulin correspond to 0.1 mL 2 2

From the Research

Insulin Concentration

  • The common insulin concentration in most preparations of insulin is 100 units per mL or U-100 3.
  • This concentration is the standard for most insulin preparations.

Volume of 10 Units of Insulin

  • Given the standard concentration of 100 units per mL, 10 units of insulin would correspond to 0.1 mL (10 units / 100 units per mL) 3.
  • This calculation is based on the standard U-100 insulin concentration.

Other Insulin Concentrations

  • Other concentrations, such as U-500, are available for patients with insulin resistance or those requiring higher doses 3, 4, 5.
  • However, the standard U-100 concentration is the most commonly used and relevant for calculating the volume of 10 units of insulin.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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