About Human insulin
Medically reviewed by Dr Khizer Hussain Junaidy, MD Pharmacology, Diabetologist & Bariatric Physician, on 23 Oct 2026.
What it is for
Regular (soluble) or NPH (isophane) human insulin, used alone or as premixed insulin (for example 30/70) in diabetes.
How to take it
Regular and premixed insulin are usually injected 20 to 30 minutes before a meal. Roll the cloudy insulin gently between the palms 10 times before use.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar.
- Lumps under the skin if one spot is overused.
Call your doctor if
- Low sugar with confusion, fits or fainting. This is an emergency: go to hospital at once.
- Repeated low sugars.
- Sugar stays high.
Take care
Do not stop insulin on your own.
From our clinic: Do not shake the vial hard. Keep spare vials and pens in the fridge, not in the freezer. Never use insulin that has been frozen. The vial or pen in use can stay at room temperature, away from sunlight and heat, for about 4 weeks. Always carry glucose or sugar with you.