Treatment for diabetes includes different types of medication developed to meet nuanced needs and conditions of patients. This includes changes in the combination and proportion of different molecules in medications. A common example is Novolin and Novolog, used for slightly different outcomes in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Following subsections offer details to answer the question – what is the difference between Novolin 70/30 and Novolog mix 70/30? This includes details about the mechanism of action and the possible side effects of the drug combinations.
Overview of Novolin 70/30 and Novolog 70/30
Both are branded medications comprising a combination of two different types of insulin – rapid-acting and long-acting insulin. The drug combinations are intended to be used together to control blood sugar levels. Novolin 70/30 contains 70% NPH (neutral protamine Hagedorn) insulin and 30% regular human insulin. NovoLog Mix 70/30 contains 70% aspart (rapid-acting) insulin and 30% protamine aspart (long-acting) insulin.
Both the combinations are available in a pre-mixed form and are typically used twice daily, before breakfast and dinner. However, the dosage and timing of the injections depend on the individual’s blood sugar levels and overall health, and is determined by the healthcare provider. Both the drugs are prescription only diabetic medications and should only be used after assessment and as per the instructions of the treating specialist.
What is the difference between NPH insulin, human insulin, aspart and protamine aspart?
NPH insulin is a long-acting insulin that helps to provide a steady and consistent effect over time, while regular human insulin is a rapid-acting insulin that helps to control blood sugar levels after a meal. Aspart is a rapid-acting insulin that helps to control blood sugar levels after a meal, while protamine aspart is a long-acting insulin that helps to provide a steady and consistent effect over time.
Mechanism of action of neutral protamine hagedorn insulin
Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin is a type of long-acting insulin that is used to treat diabetes. It is a mixture of insulin and protamine (a protein), that slows down the absorption of insulin into the bloodstream. The mechanism of action actually comprises two different stages.
#1 Rapid onset: Post injection, NPH insulin quickly dissolves in the bloodstream and lowers blood sugar levels by increasing the uptake of glucose by the liver, muscle, and fat cells.
#2 Sustained action: As the protamine component of NPH insulin slowly releases the insulin into the bloodstream, it provides a sustained, steady effect over time. This helps to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range for several hours, necessary for preventing high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) overnight or between meals.
The onset and duration of action of NPH insulin can vary depending on the individual, and this also depends on the right dosage and intake schedule. NPH insulin is typically used in combination with rapid-acting insulin, including human insulin or aspart, to help control blood sugar levels after meals.
Mechanism of action of Aspart insulin
This is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes, that works by increasing the uptake of glucose into cells, lowering the glucose concentration in the blood. The mechanism of action involves binding to insulin receptors on the surface of target cells, that triggers a series of intracellular signaling events resulting in increased glucose transport into the cells and decreased glucose production by the liver. Aspart insulin is also known to stimulate the synthesis of glycogen, a storage form of glucose, in the liver and muscle cells. This helps regulate blood glucose levels and maintain glucose homeostasis in the body.
Possible side effects of Novolin 70/30
The most common side effects of Novolin 70/30 include low blood sugar, possible weight gain, and reactions at the injection site. Other possible effects include allergic reactions, thickening of the skin or puffiness at the injection site, and a small risk of developing low potassium levels in the blood.
Possible side effects of Novolog mix 70/30
The most common side effects of Novolog Mix 70/30 include hypoglycemia, abnormal weight gain, and injection site reactions. Other possible side effects include allergic reactions, and possible lowering of potassium levels in the blood. Serious side effects that are rare in occurrence, include severe allergic reactions, that can be life-threatening. Novolog Mix 70/30 may also impact vision, and cause rare cases of diabetic retinopathy, that could sometimes result in loss of vision.
Who will find Novolin 70/30 more suitable?
Suitability of each drug is also answered along with answers to the question what is the difference between Novolin 70/30 and Novolog mix 70/30? Novolin 70/30 is usually prescribed for diabetics who need to use more than one type of insulin to manage blood sugar levels. It is more suitable for patients who need intermediate-acting insulin to cover the needs for basal insulin and short-acting insulin to cover the needs for mealtime insulin, as Novolin 70/30 is a combination of both types of insulin. Any form of insulin therapy is not to be considered as a set standard, that meets needs of all patients. It is essentially an individualized management plant, and is determined by a diabetologist, with schedule and dosage tailored to specific needs. This takes into account various factors such as the patient’s blood sugar levels, overall health, and lifestyle habits.
Who will find Novolog mix 70/30 more suitable?
Novolog Mix 70/30 is typically used to treat diabetics who also require more than one type of insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. It is regarded to be more suitable to the needs of patients requiring rapid-acting insulin to meet the needs for mealtime insulin, and intermediate-acting insulin to meet the needs for basal insulin. This drug contains both types of insulin, and is regarded to be faster acting in nature when compared with Novolin 70/30, as it is known to reach the bloodstream faster.
The note of caution extends to Novolog mix 70/30 also, regarding use – the condition is to be assessed by a diabetologist and the dosage is to be tailored to meet the specific requirements. This individualized management plan will take into account various factors including the patient’s blood sugar levels, overall health, and lifestyle habits.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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