Dosage for Novolin 70/30: An Introduction
The dose of Novolin
® 70/30 (NPH
insulin/
regular insulin) your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- The carbohydrate content of your meals
- Your current dose of other insulins
- Your blood sugar goals (which can vary from person to person)
- Your blood sugar levels
- 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.
Novolin 70/30 Dosing Guidelines
Novolin 70/30 is made up of two different insulins: 70 percent intermediate-acting (NPH insulin) and 30 percent short-acting (regular insulin). It is typically taken twice a day before meals, usually about 30 minutes before eating. Dosing for Novolin 70/30 must be individualized for each person and for each different situation. There is no "standard" Novolin 70/30 dose that will work for all people or even for the same person in all situations.
Your healthcare provider may ask you to measure your blood sugar before and after meals, and may also recommend carbohydrate counting. Both of these things can help you and your healthcare provider know how to figure your Novolin 70/30 dose.
In some situations, you and your healthcare provider may prefer "aggressive" insulin dosing, which may help reduce the risk of long-term
diabetes complications but increases the risk of dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Some people may need more relaxed insulin dosing, especially if they live alone, making it difficult to adequately respond to low blood sugar, or if they are elderly, in which case the long-term consequences are less important.
