Indications
Insulin (Human) 30/70 is a premixed insulin used to control blood sugar in people with diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2) who need insulin. It contains 30% short-acting (soluble) insulin and 70% intermediate-acting (isophane or NPH) insulin.
How It Works
Insulin is the natural hormone that lets the body’s cells take up sugar from the blood to use for energy, and stops the liver from releasing too much sugar. The soluble part starts working within about 30 minutes and covers the meal taken soon after the injection; the isophane part acts more slowly and lasts up to about 24 hours, giving background control.
Dosage and Administration
The dose is worked out for each person by the doctor according to blood sugar readings, diet and activity, as prescribed. It is usually injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, buttock or upper arm once or twice a day, about 30 minutes before a meal. Before each injection, gently roll and tip the vial or pen until the insulin looks evenly cloudy; do not shake hard. Change the injection site within the same area each time. Never inject it into a vein, and never share pens or needles. Patients are taught to inject by a doctor or nurse.
Interactions
- Medicines that may lower blood sugar further: other diabetes medicines (e.g. Metformin, Gliclazide), ACE inhibitors, Aspirin in high doses, some antidepressants and alcohol.
- Medicines that may raise blood sugar: corticosteroids (e.g. Prednisolone), thiazide diuretics, thyroid hormones, some antipsychotics (e.g. Olanzapine) and Salbutamol.
- Beta blockers (e.g. Propranolol) can hide the warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Pioglitazone with insulin can increase the risk of fluid retention and heart failure.
Contraindications
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) at the time of the dose.
- Allergy to human insulin or any ingredient.
Side Effects
The most common side effect is low blood sugar, with shaking, sweating, hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, blurred vision or confusion. Others include redness, swelling or itching at the injection site, lumps or dips in the skin if the same spot is used repeatedly, mild weight gain and swollen ankles.
Get urgent medical help if low blood sugar does not improve after taking sugar, or if the person becomes drowsy, confused, has a seizure or is unconscious; also for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as widespread rash, swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Human insulin is the preferred treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding. Insulin needs often change during pregnancy and after delivery, so close monitoring and dose adjustment by the doctor are needed.
Precautions and Warnings
Check blood sugar regularly and always carry a sugary snack. Do not skip meals after injecting. Illness, vomiting, exercise, alcohol and changing to a different insulin can alter your needs. Talk to your doctor before driving if you have frequent low sugars. Do not use insulin that looks lumpy, frosted or discoloured after mixing.
Overdose
Too much insulin causes low blood sugar. If the person is awake, give glucose, sugar, juice or sweets, then a meal. If unconscious, do not give anything by mouth; get emergency help, where glucose by injection or Glucagon is given.
Therapeutic Class
Antidiabetic, premixed human insulin (short-acting plus intermediate-acting).
Storage
Store unopened vials and pens in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C; do not freeze. The vial or pen in use can be kept below 25 to 30°C, away from heat and light, for the period stated on the pack (usually 4 to 6 weeks). Keep out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.