Humulin Regular (Διαλυτή) (Insulin Human)

Humulin Regular is indicated for the management of elevated blood glucose in several clinical situations where rapid insulin action is required.

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus to provide basal‑plus‑bolus insulin coverage.
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus when oral agents are insufficient or during insulin initiation.
• Treatment of acute hyperglycemia, including diabetic ketoacidosis, under medical supervision.
• Peri‑operative glucose control in patients undergoing surgery.
• Management of gestational diabetes when rapid‑acting insulin is preferred (off‑label in some regions).

• 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‑K/Akt pathway, promoting translocation of GLUT‑4 transporters to the cell membrane, which increases glucose uptake. In the liver, the drug suppresses gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis while stimulating glycogen synthesis, thereby lowering circulating glucose levels effectively.

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

Common

• Mild hypoglycemia, especially if meals are delayed or carbohydrate intake is reduced.
• Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site.
• Transient weight gain due to increased glucose storage.

Serious

• Severe hypoglycemia with neuroglycopenic symptoms requiring assistance.
• Anaphylactic or systemic allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, or respiratory distress.
• Persistent edema or heart failure exacerbation linked to fluid retention.

When prescribing Humulin Regular, clinicians should consider several precautions to minimize risk and ensure safe use.

• Adjust dose in patients with renal or hepatic impairment because insulin clearance may be reduced.
• Monitor blood glucose closely during periods of illness, stress, or changes in diet.
• Use lower initial doses in elderly or frail patients to avoid hypoglycemia.
• Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to human insulin or any formulation component.
• Counsel patients on proper injection technique and rotation of sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
• Review concomitant medications that may mask hypoglycemia symptoms, such as beta‑blockers.

Humulin Regular may interact with other agents that influence glucose metabolism or insulin action; awareness of these interactions helps maintain glycemic control.

Avoid

• Simultaneous administration of other rapid‑acting insulin products without appropriate dose reduction.
• High‑dose sulfonylureas or meglitinides that can precipitate severe hypoglycemia.

Use with caution

• Beta‑adrenergic blockers, which may mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
• Thiazide diuretics, which can increase blood glucose levels.
• Corticosteroids, which raise glucose and may require higher insulin doses.
• Oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, which can alter insulin requirements.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which may potentiate insulin’s glucose‑lowering effect.