Humulin® 30/70 Cartridges for Diabetes

What Humulin® 30/70 Is and How It Works

Humulin® 30/70 Cartridges are a premixed human insulin that combines 70 percent isophane insulin (NPH, intermediate-acting) with 30 percent Regular insulin (short-acting). This human insulin 70/30 mix supports mealtime coverage and between-meal control in one cartridge for use with a compatible reusable pen. CanadianInsulin connects patients to Canadian pricing and ships from Canada with US delivery, which can help those paying without insurance.

Every CanadianInsulin order is prescription-checked with your clinic and dispensed by a licensed Canadian pharmacy.

Humulin 30/70 works by lowering blood glucose through increased peripheral uptake and decreased hepatic glucose output. The Regular component starts working around meal time, while the NPH component extends activity through the afternoon or overnight. Because the mealtime portion is Regular insulin, injections are typically scheduled before eating rather than at the first bite. This premix is not for insulin pumps or intravenous use.

If you are comparing delivery systems, you can also explore other Insulin Cartridges offered at Canadian pricing. For background on premixed insulins and when they may be used, see our article on Premixed Insulin.

Who Humulin® 30/70 Is For

This medicine is prescribed for people with diabetes who need both prandial and intermediate insulin in a simplified schedule. It may be used in type 1 diabetes alongside careful monitoring, or in type 2 diabetes when oral agents are not enough or a premixed regimen is preferred. It can be appropriate for individuals who benefit from consistent meal timing and prefer fewer daily injections than separate basal and bolus dosing.

Humulin 30/70 should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to human insulin or any component of the formulation. It is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Extra caution is required in those with frequent hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia unawareness, or significant kidney or liver impairment. Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with a clinician, as insulin needs often change.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Many patients start with a dose before breakfast and another before the evening meal, then titrate based on glucose patterns under clinical guidance. Because the mealtime portion is Regular insulin, injections are usually given about 30 minutes before eating. Consistent carbohydrate intake and regular meal timing support safer use.

General use points:

• Verify the cartridge is uniformly cloudy after gentle resuspension prior to each dose.
• Attach a new sterile pen needle for each injection. Prime the pen per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Inject subcutaneously in recommended areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites to reduce lipodystrophy.
• Do not share pens, cartridges, or needles.
• Do not mix with other insulins in the same pen or syringe.
• Monitor blood glucose regularly, especially during dose changes, illness, or changes in activity.

When unsure about dose adjustments, defer to the official label and the treating clinician’s plan rather than making changes independently.

Strengths and Forms

Commonly supplied strength and presentation:

• 100 IU/mL human insulin, in 3 mL cartridges for use with a compatible reusable pen.

Availability may vary by pharmacy and time. Some patients use vial formats or single-component NPH when a different plan is prescribed. If an NPH-only option is needed, see Humulin® N Vials or Novolin® GE NPH Penfill.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled dose is missed, consider the relation to the next meal and dose. Taking two doses close together can increase hypoglycemia risk. Many clinicians advise skipping the missed dose if the next dose is due soon, then resuming the regular schedule. Follow the plan provided by the prescriber and monitor glucose closely if any dose is delayed or omitted.

Storage and Travel Basics

Unopened insulin cartridges are typically stored refrigerated and protected from light. Do not freeze. Avoid heat exposure. Once in use, many cartridges are stored at room temperature as directed in the product insert and discarded after the in-use period indicated on the label. Keep all insulin out of direct sunlight and away from excessive heat or cold during daily use and travel.

For trips, carry insulin in hand luggage with a small insulated case and a backup glucose source. Keep a prescription copy and pen needles in sufficient quantity. Follow the pen and cartridge instructions for temperature and handling specifics.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Before each dose, gently roll and invert the cartridge in the pen until the suspension looks evenly cloudy. Do not use if clumps, “frosting,” or particles remain after proper mixing. Prime the pen per the device instructions. Insert the needle subcutaneously and deliver the full dose. Count to the recommended hold time before removing the needle to ensure complete delivery.

Dispose of used pen needles in an approved sharps container. Do not recap needles by hand. Do not share pens or cartridges. For a refresher on technique, see our step-by-step guide: How To Use Insulin Pen.

Benefits

Humulin 30/70 offers practical advantages for certain patients:

• Two-in-one schedule: mealtime and intermediate insulin in a single cartridge.
• Predictable human insulin profile when meals are regular and timed.
• Reusable pen convenience with small dose adjustments per pen design.
• Fewer daily injections compared with separate basal-bolus regimens.
• Suitable for those who prefer a stable routine and fixed meal times.

For an overview of cartridge types and their uses, explore Insulin Cartridges.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion)
• Injection site reactions (redness, itching, swelling)
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at injection sites
• Peripheral edema
• Weight gain
• Rash or itching

Serious effects are less common but can include severe hypoglycemia, generalized allergic reactions, hypokalemia, and fluid retention or heart failure when used with thiazolidinediones. Insulins can cause low blood sugar, especially with missed meals, increased activity, alcohol, or dosing errors. Seek medical help for severe or persistent reactions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Some medicines can increase or decrease insulin needs. Categories often discussed include:

• Agents that may increase hypoglycemia risk or insulin effect: GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, salicylates, and alcohol.
• Agents that may raise glucose or reduce insulin effect: corticosteroids, some diuretics, oral contraceptives, thyroid hormones, and sympathomimetics.
• Beta-blockers can mask some hypoglycemia symptoms.

Do not change doses based on this list alone. Review all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and supplements with the prescriber.

What to Expect Over Time

With consistent meal timing and technique, many patients see steadier fasting and post-meal glucose patterns. Dose adjustments are common in the first weeks. Routine site rotation, attention to injection timing, and ongoing monitoring help maintain control. A1C is typically assessed over months to gauge overall improvement along with daily readings.

Compare With Alternatives

Some prescribers consider other premixes or formats based on individual goals and meal patterns. Human insulin premixed vials may be used when pens are not preferred, such as Novolin® GE 30 70 Vials. Another option in some cases is an analog premix with a rapid-acting component, such as Novomix® Penfill Cartridges. Choice depends on the clinician’s plan, mealtime timing, and how much flexibility is needed.

Pricing and Access

CanadianInsulin lists Humulin 30/70 cartridge price details with Canadian pricing and US shipping. Many customers buy Humulin 30/70 cartridges online, compare cost, and then order Humulin 30/70 cartridges for US delivery from Canada. Check current pricing on the product page to view your options and total cost before checkout. We use prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to protect temperature-sensitive insulin.

If you look for seasonal deals, visit our promotions page when available. Cash-pay shoppers can often see transparent prices without extra steps.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If the preferred cartridge is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend a comparable premixed insulin in another form or a different plan using separate mealtime and basal insulins. Any substitution should be clinician-directed due to differences in onset and peak.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Humulin 30/70 may suit people who:

• Eat regular meals and prefer scheduled dosing.
• Want premixed human insulin rather than separate basal-bolus injections.
• Use or prefer a reusable pen system.

Humulin 30/70 may not be suitable for those with recurrent severe hypoglycemia, hypoglycemia unawareness, or significant allergy to the formulation. Discuss kidney and liver conditions, pregnancy, and other medicines at each visit.

Cost-saving ideas:

• Ask the prescriber about multi-month quantities to reduce per-shipment fees.
• Enroll in refill reminders so your shipment arrives before you run out.
• Consolidate items in one order when practical to lower total shipping cost.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What starting dose and titration plan should I follow with this premixed insulin?
• How should I time injections relative to my meals and snacks?
• What is my hypoglycemia treatment plan and when should I contact the clinic?
• Which glucose targets should I use for fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal readings?
• How should dosing change on days with more exercise or smaller meals?
• Is a premix still the best fit if my schedule becomes more variable?

Authoritative Sources

• Eli Lilly Humulin
• FDA DailyMed: HUMULIN 70/30
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

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