From the Guidelines
Humalog is a rapid-acting insulin analog, specifically insulin lispro, which is used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes.
Key Characteristics of Humalog
- It begins working within 15 minutes after injection,
- peaks in about 1 hour,
- and continues to work for 2 to 4 hours 1. This rapid onset and short duration make it ideal for mealtime insulin coverage, as it closely mimics the body's natural insulin response to food.
Administration and Forms
Humalog is typically injected just before meals or within 15 minutes of starting a meal. It's available in various forms including vials, prefilled pens (Humalog KwikPen), and cartridges for insulin pumps.
Comparison to Regular Human Insulin
Humalog differs from regular human insulin because of a small structural modification that allows it to be absorbed more quickly. This rapid action helps prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes more effectively than older insulins, as noted in studies comparing different types of insulin 1.
Storage and Handling
Patients should store unopened Humalog in the refrigerator, while in-use vials or pens can be kept at room temperature for up to 28 days. Given its pharmacodynamic profile, Humalog is a preferred choice for managing postprandial glucose excursions, offering greater flexibility in meal planning compared to premixed insulins 1.
From the Research
Insulin Types
- Humalog is a type of rapid-acting insulin analogue, also known as insulin lispro 2.
- It is identical to human insulin except for the transposition of proline and lysine at positions 28 and 29 in the C-terminus of the B chain 2.
Comparison with Other Insulins
- Insulin lispro has a more rapid onset and a shorter duration of glucose-lowering activity compared to human regular insulin 2.
- It has been compared to other rapid-acting insulin analogues, such as insulin aspart, and found to have similar effects on postprandial blood glucose control 3.
- Insulin lispro has also been compared to insulin glulisine, and found to have comparable glucose control 4, 5.
- A study comparing insulin glulisine, insulin lispro, and regular human insulin found no clinically relevant differences between the three insulin treatments with respect to serum insulin, free fatty acid, glycerol, or lactate levels 5.
Administration and Effects
- Insulin lispro is typically administered subcutaneously, and its effects on blood glucose levels can be seen within 15 minutes of administration 2.
- It is often used in combination with basal insulin therapy to control postprandial blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes 2.
- The use of insulin lispro has been found to improve postprandial glycaemic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia 2.