Humalog vs Humulin. Both are refer to insulin medications that are used to reduce high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. This hormone helps glucose (sugar) convert into energy for the cells in your body. Without insulin, glucose will not convert into energy, causing a build up of sugar in the blood and a lack of energy for the body. Too much glucose in the blood can lead to serious health problems, such as blindness, kidney failure and damage to blood vessels. Both medications can be used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Humalog and Humulin may have similar drug interactions when used together with other medications. Sometimes these drug interactions can lead to harmful effects, such as low blood sugar, which is why you should inform your doctor about all medications you are using. Both drugs are injected under the skin to help reduce high blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, Humalog starts to work faster compared to Humulin. When you inject Humalog, it starts to work between 30 to 90 minutes. However, Humulin is most effective 3 hours after injecting it.
What is Humalog?
It is a rapid-acting insulin analog that acts by improving glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. You should administer this medication within 15 minutes before your meal or immediately after you eat.
What is Humulin?
It is a man made form of the natural insulin produced by the pancreas. This insulin is used by people with type 2 diabetes to help improve their blood glucose levels in a similar way to how insulin works in people without diabetes.
Humalog vs Humulin: The Side Effects
There are some side effects that are common in both Humalog and Humulin. The most common are weight gain, low blood sugar, injection site reactions, itching, or low potassium levels. Severe side effects that are common in both medications include swelling in your feet and hands, sudden weight gain and shortness of breath. If you notice any of these symptoms while taking Humalog or Humulin, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you take these insulin drugs in combination with other medications, it may result in low blood sugar levels or other side effects.
Similarities
These medications come in injectable solutions that are available in a vial to be used with an injection pen. They are used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition where the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, or use it properly, in order to conrol blood sugar levels. Both Humalog and Humulin should be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, buttock, thighs or upper arm.
Differences
Humulin is a short-acting insulin, which is the brand name for insulin isophane. This type of insulin analog takes 30 minutes to reach the blood stream after injection. On the other hand, Humalog is a fast -cting insulin, which refers to a brand name for insulin lispro. Humalog takes 15 minutes before it can start working in the body. Humulin should be administered 30 minutes before you eat, while Humalog should be taken within 15 minutes before you eat or immediately after you take your meal.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
