Dosage of Humulin 50/50: An Introduction
The dose of Humulin
® 50/50 (NPH
insulin/
regular insulin) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your blood sugar goals (which can vary from person to person)
- Your blood sugar levels
- Your current dose of other insulins
- The carbohydrate content of your meals
- Other medications you are taking, including other diabetes medications
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As of July 2009, Eli Lilly and Company has decided to stop producing Humulin 50/50 due to low product demand. It is estimated that current supplies of the medication may last until April 2010. If you are currently taking Humulin 50/50, your healthcare provider will need to switch you to one of the other types of insulin.
Humulin 50/50 Dosing Guidelines
There is no one "standard" Humulin 50/50 dose that will work for all people or even for the same person in all situations.
Instead, dosing for Humulin 50/50 must be individualized for each person. Humulin 50/50 is made up of two different insulins, 50 percent intermediate-acting (NPH insulin) and 50 percent short-acting (regular insulin). Compared to
Humulin 70/30, it contains a higher percentage of regular insulin for people who need a little more insulin to cover the rise in blood sugar levels after meals. It is typically taken twice a day before meals, often about 30 minutes before eating.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to measure your blood sugar levels before and after meals, and may also recommend carbohydrate counting. Both of these things can help you and your healthcare provider know how to dose your Humulin 50/50.
In some situations, you and your healthcare provider may prefer "aggressive" insulin dosing, which may help reduce the risk of long-term
diabetes complications. However, this dosing method also increases the risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Some people may need more relaxed insulin dosing, especially if they live alone (making it difficult to adequately respond to low blood sugar levels) or if they are elderly (in which case the long-term consequences are less important).
