Generic name: insulin regular [ IN-soo-lin-REG-yoo-lar ]
Brand names: HumuLIN R, Myxredlin, NovoLIN R
Drug class:Insulin
What is regular insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that is produced naturally in our bodies. Its main role is to allow cells throughout the body to uptake glucose (sugar) and convert it into a form that can be used by these cells for energy. Naturally occurring human insulin is made by beta cells within the pancreas, but people with diabetes have little or no natural insulin release.
Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin that takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to start working, peaks in 2 to 5 hours, and lasts for up to 6 hours. It may be used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus and is usually always used in combination with an intermediate or long-acting insulin. Regular insulins are available in the U.S. without a prescription.
Insulin is mostly used to treat type 1 diabetes but can be used in people with type 2 diabetes if insulin levels remain low despite the use of other types of medications. Insulin may also be given to pregnant women who develop a type of diabetes during pregnancy called gestational diabetes.
Warnings
You should not use insulin if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is the most common side effect of insulin. Symptoms include headache, hunger, dizziness, sweating, irritability, trouble concentrating, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, fainting, or seizure (severe hypoglycemia can be fatal). Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you in case you have low blood sugar.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use insulin regular if you...
