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Humulin® Therapies
Humulin® R (U-100) (regular insulin human injection, USP [rDNA origin])
100 units/mLHumulin® R (U-500) (regular U-500 [concentrated] insulin human injection, USP [rDNA origin])
500 units/mLHumulin® 70/30 (70% human insulin isophane suspension and 30% human insulin injection [rDNA origin])
100 units/mLHumulin® N U-100 (human insulin [rDNA origin] isophane suspension)
100 units/mLThis information is provided in response to your request. Resources may contain information about doses, uses, formulations and populations different from product labeling. See Prescribing Information above, if applicable.
DIABETES: Treatment Options
A summary of the different medications used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Detailed Information
Diabetes Medications
Class |
Brand Drugs (generic) |
Mechanism of Action |
Biguanidesa |
|
Decrease the amount of sugar made in the liver and improve how the body responds to insulin |
Sulfonylureasa |
|
Help the body release more insulin |
Meglitinidesa |
|
Help the body to release more insulin; faster and shorter acting than sulfonylureas |
Thiazolidinedionesa |
|
Improve how the body responds to insulin |
DPP-4 inhibitorsa |
|
Help the body lower blood sugar throughout the body |
SGLT-2 inhibitorsa |
|
Increase amount of blood sugar removed in the urine |
GLP-1 RA |
Slow digestion and lower blood glucose levels |
|
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitorsa |
|
Block the breakdown of starches into sugars |
Bile acid sequestrantsa |
|
Not fully understood, help lower blood sugar |
Dopamine-2 agonistsa |
|
Help to lower blood sugar after a meal |
Abbreviations: DPP-4 = dipeptidyl peptidase-4; GLP-1 RA = glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist; SGLT-2 = sodium-glucose cotransporter-2.
aOral diabetes medication.
bInjectable (noninsulin) diabetes medication.
Insulins
Class |
Drugs |
Onseta |
Peakb |
Durationc |
Inhaled |
|
12-15 minutes |
30 minutes |
3 hours |
Ultra rapid acting |
1-2.5 minutes |
1 hour |
2-4 hours |
|
Rapid acting |
|
15 minutes |
1 hour |
2-4 hours |
Short acting |
|
30 minutes |
2-3 hours |
3-6 hours |
Humulin R® U-500 |
|
15 minutes |
4-6 hours |
13-21 hours |
Intermediate acting |
|
2-4 hours |
4-12 hours |
12-18 hours |
Long acting |
|
6 hours |
No peak |
24 hours or longer |
Ultra long acting |
|
6 hours |
No peak |
36 hours |
aLength of time before insulin reaches the bloodstream and begins lowering blood sugar.
bTime during which insulin is at maximum strength in terms of lowering blood sugar.
cHow long insulin continues to lower blood glucose.
Enclosed Prescribing Information
References
1Type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Published January 9, 2019. Accessed February 3, 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351199";
2Medication management - what are my options? American Diabetes Association. Accessed February 3, 2021. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/medication-management/oral-medication/what-are-my-options
3Novo Nordisk® Corporation. Rybelsus® website. http://www.rybelsus.com 2019. Accessed November 13, 2019.
4Insulin basics. American Diabetes Association. Accessed February 3, 2021. https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/medication-management/insulin-other-injectables/insulin-basics
5Fiasp [package insert]. Plainsboro, NJ: Novo Nordisk Inc; 2018.
6Lyumjev [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2020.
7Humulin R U-500 [package insert]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company; 2019.
Date of Last Review: June 10, 2021