What is the dosage for Insulin (Novolin or Humulin) 70/30?

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Last updated: February 14, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

The typical dosage for Insulin 70/30, such as Novolin or Humulin, is administered before breakfast and before dinner.

Key Points

  • The 70/30 insulin mix contains 70% NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn) insulin and 30% regular insulin.
  • Administration is usually before breakfast and before dinner 1.
  • The exact dosage may vary depending on individual patient needs and blood glucose levels.
  • Dose titration is important, and adjustments may be necessary based on blood glucose levels and the pharmacodynamic profile of each formulation 2, 1.
  • Providers should consider regimen flexibility when devising a plan for the initiation and adjustment of insulin therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes 1.
  • Studies have shown the noninferiority of basal insulin plus a single injection of rapid-acting insulin administered at the largest meal compared with basal insulin plus a GLP-1–receptor agonist or 2 daily injections of premixed insulins 1.

From the Research

Dosage for Insulin (Novolin or Humulin) 70/30

The dosage for Insulin (Novolin or Humulin) 70/30 can vary depending on the individual patient's needs and the specific treatment regimen.

  • The typical administration frequency is twice daily, just before breakfast and dinner 3.
  • However, some studies have shown that administering 70/30 biphasic insulin three times a day can be effective in maintaining glycemia in the target range and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia 4.
  • The dosage can also be adjusted based on the patient's glucose levels, with some studies using an algorithm to determine the optimal dose 5.
  • In some cases, once-daily injections of biphasic insulin aspart 70/30 or biphasic human insulin 70/30 in combination with metformin can be an effective treatment regimen for patients with type 2 diabetes 6.

Administration Timing

  • The timing of insulin administration can also impact its effectiveness, with some studies showing that administering Humalog Mix25 just 5 minutes before meals can provide improved post-prandial glycemic control compared to administering Humulin 30/70 30 minutes before meals 7.
  • However, the optimal administration timing may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and the specific insulin regimen being used.

Key Considerations

  • The dosage and administration frequency of Insulin (Novolin or Humulin) 70/30 should be individualized based on the patient's specific needs and glucose levels 3, 4, 5, 6.
  • Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the optimal treatment regimen and adjust the dosage as needed to achieve good glycemic control.

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.