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Diabetes Prescription Insulin Medications »
Insulin is a hormone that is produced by certain cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. When we eat and absorb food, glucose levels rise and insulin is released.
Some people can't make insulin; those people are said to have type 1 diabetes. A person with type 2 diabetes can make insulin, but the body doesn't respond well to insulin; they are said to have “insulin resistance.”
Insulin is always necessary for type 1 diabetes because the body has no internal source of insulin. People with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin, particularly those who have difficulty controlling their diabetes with oral medications.
Insulins differ based on three ...
Read the Diabetes Prescription Insulin Medications article »
HUMULIN® 50/50 (50-50 human insulin isophane suspension and human insulin injection)
(50% human insulin isophane suspension and 50% human insulin injection 10 mL vial(1000 units per vial)
(rDNA ORIGIN)
100 UNITS PER ML (U-100)
Humulin is synthesized in a special non-disease-producing laboratory strain of Escherichia coli bacteria that has been genetically altered to produce human insulin. Humulin 50/50 is a mixture of 50% Human Insulin Isophane Suspension and 50% Human Insulin Injection (rDNA origin). It is an intermediate-acting insulin combined with the more rapid onset of action of Regular human insulin. The duration of activity may last up to 24 hours following injection. The time course of action of any insulin may vary considerably in different individuals or at different times in the same individual. As with all insulin preparations, the duration of action of Humulin 50/50 is dependent on dose, site of injection, blood supply, temperature, and physical activity. Humulin 50/50 is a sterile suspension and is for subcutaneous injection only. It should not be used intravenously or intramuscularly. The concentration of Humulin 50/50 is 100 units/mL (U-100).
Last reviewed on RxList: 9/13/2007
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.
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