About insulin human
Short-acting human insulin
Used for
- Treats type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Helps control high blood sugar around meals
- May be used intravenously by healthcare professionals
Usual adult dose
Individualized; commonly injected under the skin about 30 minutes before meals. Dose depends on glucose levels, meals, and treatment plan.
Usual dose in children
Used in children with diabetes; dose is individualized by age, weight, glucose levels, meals, and treatment plan.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar
- Injection-site reactions
- Weight gain
- Rarely, low blood potassium or allergic reactions
Important warnings
- Low blood sugar can be severe or life-threatening.
- Never stop insulin in type 1 diabetes without medical direction.
- Dose needs may change with illness, activity, diet, or other medicines.
- Use the correct insulin and injection technique; dosing errors can be dangerous.
Pregnancy
Insulin is commonly used during pregnancy; requirements may change throughout pregnancy and after delivery.
Breastfeeding
Generally compatible with breastfeeding; insulin needs may change after childbirth.
Interactions
- Other diabetes medicines may increase low blood sugar risk.
- Corticosteroids and some diuretics may raise blood sugar.
- Beta-blockers can mask some warning signs of low blood sugar.
- Alcohol may increase or prolong low blood sugar.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.