Insulin, Regular, Human
Insulin Regular Human is a short-acting insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus by helping to control blood sugar levels, allowing glucose to enter cells for energy.
Short-acting insulin for managing diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A10AB01
- RxNorm
- 253182
- Generic
- Insulin, Regular, Human
- Class
- atc-a10
- Brands
- Novolin, Humulin, Afrezza, Myxredlin, Humulin R, Novolin R
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection, suspension, solution, powder
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- individualized dosing based on blood glucose levels
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- multiple times daily as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- individualized dosing based on blood glucose levels
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- multiple times daily as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- individualized dosing based on blood glucose levels
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- multiple times daily as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesterindividualized dosing required
insulin is preferred treatment for diabetes during pregnancy; continue insulin therapy to maintain glycemic control
regular blood glucose monitoring and fetal monitoring
pregnancy
second trimesterinsulin requirements typically increase during second trimester
continue insulin therapy with adjusted dosing as needed
regular blood glucose monitoring and fetal growth assessments
pregnancy
third trimesterinsulin requirements often peak in third trimester; may need dose reduction close to delivery
continue insulin therapy; plan for delivery and newborn blood sugar monitoring
frequent blood glucose monitoring, fetal monitoring, and assessment for preterm labor
lactation
breastfeedingno significant adjustment needed
insulin use is compatible with breastfeeding; maintain good glycemic control
monitor maternal blood glucose to avoid hypoglycemia episodes
geriatric
elderlystart with lower doses and titrate slowly
use conservative dosing due to increased hypoglycemia risk and reduced renal clearance
frequent blood glucose monitoring, especially postprandial
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 years and olderdosing based on body weight and individual response
regular insulin is approved for use in pediatric patients; careful titration required
regular blood glucose monitoring, especially during meals and physical activity
renal_impairment
mild to moderatedose reduction may be required; monitor closely
reduce initial dose and titrate based on glucose response; renal function affects insulin clearance
frequent blood glucose monitoring and renal function assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatedose reduction may be required due to altered metabolism
liver plays role in insulin metabolism; monitor glucose closely and adjust dose accordingly
frequent blood glucose monitoring and liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Common uses
Therapeutic indications
Onset of action
Time to initial effect
Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus when insulin therapy is required. Particularly useful for managing postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels.
Insulin binds to insulin receptors on cell surfaces, facilitating glucose uptake from the bloodstream into cells. It also inhibits glucose production by the liver, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
Administered subcutaneously 30 minutes before meals. Blood glucose monitoring is essential. Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse effect. Must be used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan. Available without a brand name qualifier as it is the recombinant human form of insulin.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy