Humulin Regular (Insulin Human)

Humulin Regular is indicated for the treatment of diabetes mellitus where a rapid‑acting insulin is required to control blood glucose levels, especially around meals and during acute care.

• Adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus who need mealtime insulin to mimic natural pancreatic secretion.
• Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet, exercise, and oral antidiabetic agents when basal insulin alone is insufficient.
• Management of post‑prandial hyperglycaemia in patients requiring a short‑acting insulin to cover carbohydrate intake.
• Use in insulin‑pump or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) systems when a rapid‑acting formulation is preferred.
• Hospitalized patients, including those undergoing surgery or experiencing stress hyperglycaemia, who need tight, short‑term glycaemic control.

• Insulin human binds to the insulin receptor on cell membranes, activating the intrinsic tyrosine‑kinase activity of the receptor. This triggers downstream signaling pathways, notably the PI3‑K/Akt cascade, which promotes translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell surface, increasing glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue. It also suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, thereby lowering circulating glucose concentrations.

Adverse reactions to Humulin Regular may vary in frequency and severity; they are generally categorized as common or serious.

Common

• Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) – the most frequent reaction.
• Injection‑site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching.
• Lipodystrophy (localized fat accumulation or loss) at the injection site.
• Weight gain associated with improved glycaemic control.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycaemia leading to loss of consciousness or seizures.
• Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, urticaria, or angio‑edema.
• Acute insulin overdose causing prolonged hypoglycaemia.

When prescribing or using Humulin Regular, clinicians and patients should observe several precautions to minimise risks and ensure safe therapy.

• Adjust dose during periods of illness, reduced food intake, or increased physical activity.
• Monitor blood glucose closely when initiating therapy or changing dose.
• Use caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, as insulin clearance may be reduced.
• Avoid use in individuals with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipients.
• Consider pregnancy and lactation status; insulin requirements may change and safety data are limited.
• Educate patients on recognizing and treating hypoglycaemia promptly.
• Review concomitant medications that may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.

Humulin Regular can interact with other medicines, affecting glucose levels or insulin action; some combinations should be avoided, while others require careful monitoring.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins or insulin analogues without dose adjustment, which may cause severe hypoglycaemia.
• Beta‑blockers that can mask hypoglycaemia symptoms and prolong its duration.

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that increase insulin secretion and raise hypoglycaemia risk.
• Corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, or sympathomimetic agents that may raise blood glucose, necessitating dose increases.
• Alcohol consumption, which can cause delayed hypoglycaemia, especially when combined with insulin.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which may enhance insulin sensitivity and require monitoring.