Humulin Regular (Insulin Human)

Humulin Regular is indicated for the control of hyperglycaemia in patients with diabetes. It is used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan that may include diet, exercise, and other medications.

• Treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents, and children.
• Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral agents are insufficient.
• Use as a mealtime (prandial) insulin to cover post‑prandial glucose spikes.
• Adjustment of basal‑bolus insulin regimens in insulin‑dependent patients.
• Emergency treatment of severe hyperglycaemia or diabetic ketoacidosis under medical supervision.

• Humulin Regular delivers exogenous insulin that binds to insulin receptors on muscle, adipose, and hepatic cells. This binding activates the receptor's intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell membrane and enhancing glucose uptake. In the liver, insulin suppresses gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, thereby reducing endogenous glucose production and lowering circulating blood glucose concentrations.

Adverse reactions to Humulin Regular can vary in frequency and severity.

Common

• Mild hypoglycaemia, especially if meals are delayed or missed.
• Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching.
• Lipodystrophy, including lipohypertrophy at repeated injection sites.
• Transient weight gain due to improved glucose utilization.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycaemia leading to loss of consciousness or seizures.
• Allergic reactions ranging from urticaria to anaphylaxis.
• Edema or fluid retention, potentially worsening heart failure.
• Rare cases of insulin antibodies causing resistance or prolonged hypoglycaemia.

When prescribing or using Humulin Regular, several safety considerations are important.

• Monitor blood glucose frequently to avoid hypoglycaemia, especially during dose changes.
• Adjust doses in patients with renal or hepatic impairment due to altered insulin clearance.
• Use caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women; data are limited and risk–benefit should be assessed.
• Educate patients on proper injection technique to reduce lipodystrophy.
• Review concomitant medications that may mask hypoglycaemia symptoms.
• Assess cardiovascular status, as fluid retention may exacerbate heart failure.

Humulin Regular may interact with other agents that influence glucose metabolism or insulin action.

Avoid

• Concurrent use of other rapid‑acting insulins without dose adjustment, which can cause severe hypoglycaemia.
• Beta‑blockers that may blunt hypoglycaemia warning signs.
• High‑dose corticosteroids that increase insulin resistance.

Use with caution

• Oral antidiabetic agents (e.g., sulfonylureas, meglitinides) that also lower blood glucose.
• Alcohol, which can cause unpredictable glucose fluctuations.
• Thyroid hormones, as hyperthyroidism may increase insulin requirements.
• Certain diuretics that affect electrolyte balance and glucose control.