Insulin types

Jon · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2003, 04:19 AM

Does anybody know what the difference is between Humalog and Novolog? The doctors just changed my kids insulin, and they say it works the same, but could not give me a good reason for why they are changing it. I think that if something works, stick with it. He has been on humalog for about a year now. When he runs out we are supposed to use the Novolog.

Tony · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2003, 02:22 PM

Ok this is what I know about the two from what I read around the net.

Novolog appears to be stronger and faster. Novolog starts to work faster. I guess when changing from humalog to novolog less Insulin is need. Because the novolog is stronger. Post meal readings will be better.

Humalog peaks 30mins to 90mins
Novolog peaks 40mins to 50mins.

If you do change, be on the look out for lows or take less Insulin. Your dr. should know that. Why would he tell you to change to novolog if he does not know the difference. Maybe he is getting a little kickback from novolog.

Jon · #3 (**permalink**) 02-06-2003, 03:58 AM

We were told to take the same amount. The doctor and the pharmacist at Kaiser both said they were the same. I think you may be right about the kickback. They can't seem to give me a good reason for changing.

Mick · #4 (**permalink**) 02-06-2003, 11:43 AM

Jon--I recently switched from Humalog to Novolog, because the insulin pen that I wanted to try, one that measures in half units, only fits the Novo cartridges, so I figured what the heck, I'll give it a try. I found no significant difference that was consistent. At first I felt it was actually either a weaker insulin, or took longer to act, but I think that initial observation might have been all in my head. I have spoken to others who do feel like it does take longer to act. I don't really see a significant difference, certainly not one that would cause me to want to switch back.

Michael

thos · #5 (**permalink**) 06-18-2003, 10:35 AM

I too switched from Humalog to Novalog. I found that they gave me the same results. Except...

I did notice one difference...Novalog is more consistant and I am able to use more of the vial before disposal. Humalog's consistancy was minimal at best in the bottom 20% of the vial. My BS would rise and not come down until I started a new bottle of insulin in my pump.

thos · #6 (**permalink**) 06-18-2003, 10:40 AM

I forgot to mention that ;-) "I am on the side of your doctor".

A kickback is not the only motivator to change.

dragonfly1113 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-17-2003, 08:33 AM

With humalog I had more lows and faster. I cant explain it... I am different, I guess lol
I do so much better on Novolog. I dont have as many lows.
When I was giving myself shots and on humalog my 2 hour after meal numbers were lower.
With novolog they are higher but in the 3rd hour I come down to normal.
Cant quite figure it out. Neither can DE.
Susie

manemo · #8 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 12:09 AM

I have studied all. There are no major differeces. Everything depends on how your metabolism is working, what are you eating and the level of exercise.

I have different problem. I started my pre mixed long acting insulin Mixtard 30HM, Novo Nordisk (similar to Humalog 75/25) 10 days ago. By now, it does not have any impact on my BG readings. I started with 18 units and increased gradualy to 30 units.

Did anybody experience such problem. What am I suppose to do?

Belinda · #9 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 07:03 PM

My Dr. ask me to try novolog and gave me a few vials to try...well I tried it for a month and I went back to humalog. I was using my same carb/insulin ratio and was getting too many lows. As for Dr. kickbacks well my doctor just gives you the products and if you like it great he will write the prescription for which ever insulin you need/like he is a no pressure kind of guy! He is the BEST!

manemo · #10 (**permalink**) 08-05-2003, 10:45 PM

Most of the doctors are not following the latest developments in treating diabetes with vitamin and mineral supplements. They just give you drugs or simply suggest that you should start with insulin. My insulin (Mixtard 30HM) is not working for me at all. Doctor adviced me to start with 18 i.u. in the morrning. After my complain that nothing is happening, he adviced me to gradually increase dose. Today is my 12th day and I injected 35 i.u. Still no impact on my BG. Now, I am researching on my own what to do. For the beginning I started with protein diet as per Dr. Bernstain book - Diabetes Solutions.

Does anybody know what could be the reason that insulin injections are not lowering my BG at all?