NPH Insulin Dosage

There is no standard NPH insulin dosage that will work for all people or even for the same person in all situations. Dosing will depend on several factors, including your current dose of other insulins, the carbohydrate content of your meals, and how you respond to NPH insulin. Most people take their dose of NPH insulin once or twice daily before the morning and evening meals.

An Introduction to NPH Insulin Dosage

The dose of NPH insulin (Humulin® N, Novolin® N) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to NPH insulin (especially as measured by your blood sugar levels)
  • Your current dose of other insulins
  • Other medications you are taking, including other diabetes medications
  • The carbohydrate content of your meals
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Your Dose of NPH Insulin: The Basics

NPH insulin is used to control blood sugar throughout the day and is typically taken once or twice daily.
 People often take NPH insulin before the morning and evening meals, but this is not always the case. Sometimes, bedtime dosing is recommended. There is no "standard" NPH insulin dose that will work for all people or even for the same person in all situations.
 
You may be asked to measure your blood sugar before and after meals, and your healthcare provider may recommend carbohydrate counting. Both of these things can help you and your healthcare provider know how to dose your NPH insulin. There are several different strategies for dosing insulin; be sure to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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