Humulin Regular (Insulin Human)

Humulin Regular is indicated for the management of blood glucose in several diabetic conditions, providing rapid onset of action and effectively.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (adult and pediatric)
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when other therapies are insufficient
• Diabetic ketoacidosis as part of a rapid‑acting insulin regimen
• Gestational diabetes when insulin therapy is required (category B)
• Peri‑operative glucose control in patients undergoing surgery
• Adjustment of basal insulin regimens during periods of illness or stress
• Use in insulin pump therapy as a bolus (short‑acting) component

• Humulin Regular contains recombinant human insulin that binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose and hepatic cells. Receptor activation triggers autophosphorylation and downstream signaling through the PI3‑kinase/Akt pathway, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell surface, increasing glucose uptake. In the liver it suppresses gluconeogenesis and stimulates glycogen synthesis, thereby lowering circulating glucose levels. The rapid absorption after subcutaneous injection results in an early peak of activity within 30 minutes.

Adverse reactions to Humulin Regular are reported with varying frequency and may potentially affect the injection site or systemic physiology.

Common

• Mild hypoglycemia, especially if meals are missed or delayed
• Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
• Lipodystrophy presenting as localized fat atrophy or hypertrophy
• Transient weight gain due to fluid retention
• Nausea or abdominal discomfort
• Headache or dizziness
• Localized bruising at the injection site

Serious

• Severe hypoglycemia leading to loss of consciousness or seizures
• Allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis
• Persistent hyperglycemia indicating possible insulin resistance or dosing error
• Injection‑site infection requiring medical attention
• Unexplained swelling of extremities (edema) that may signal fluid overload

When using Humulin Regular, clinicians and patients should observe several precautions to minimize risks and ensure optimal glycemic control.

• Verify blood glucose before each dose to avoid hypoglycemia
• Adjust dose during periods of illness, stress, or changes in physical activity
• Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced
• Monitor for signs of allergic reaction, especially after the first administration
• Do not mix with other insulin products unless specifically instructed
• Store the product according to label instructions; avoid freezing and protect from light
• Educate patients on proper injection technique and site rotation

Humulin Regular can interact with other medicines or substances that affect glucose metabolism or insulin action.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins without dose adjustment, which may cause severe hypoglycemia
• Beta‑blockers that mask hypoglycemia symptoms, requiring closer glucose monitoring
• MAO‑A inhibitors that may potentiate insulin’s glucose‑lowering effect
• Concomitant use of high‑dose salicylates, which may potentiate insulin action

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) – increased risk of hypoglycemia
• Corticosteroids – may raise glucose levels, necessitating insulin dose increase
• Thiazide diuretics – can impair glucose tolerance, requiring monitoring
• Alcohol consumption – can cause unpredictable glucose fluctuations