People with diabetes have high levels of glucose in the bloodstream, and they often need supplemental insulin to help them properly absorb glucose into the cells. Unless cells absorb adequate amounts of glucose, cell functioning is impaired, because glucose supplies the energy the cells need to function well. There are several different types of insulin; people with diabetes may use more than one kind. All people with Type 1 diabetes and many Type 2 people with diabetes require insulin daily.
Description
Humulin N insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin, which means its effects start 1.5 hours after injection have a peak action between 4 and 12 hours, according to Drugs.com. Like all insulins, Humulin N is injected subcutaneously, which means "under the skin," with a short, thin needle. Humulin N is a recombinant insulin, meaning it's manufactured in a laboratory rather than being made from animal proteins.
Use
Humulin N increases absorption of glucose into the body's cells, reducing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. People with Type 1 diabetes, formerly called "juvenile diabetes," make very little or no insulin on their own, so they must take intermediate-acting insulin like Humulin N several times a day, usually around mealtimes, when glucose levels in the blood are highest. People with Type 2 diabetes may still produce their body's own insulin, but because their cells have developed a resistance to it, higher than normal amounts are required, which must therefore be supplied from outside the body.
Intermediate-acting insulins such as Humulin N should be taken about an hour before meals, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine advises. Humulin N is available either in vials and in prefilled syringes.
Side Effects
Any medication can cause allergic reactions. Although allergic reactions to animal-protein-based insulin are more frequent than reactions to Humulin N, allergic reactions to Humulin N can still occur. Signs of allergic reaction include rash, hives, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, rapid pulse, sweating, itching or collapse, according to Drugs.com.
If patients take too much insulin or if they eat too little food after taking insulin, blood glucose levels may drop too much, causing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness or tremors, weakness, hunger, clouded thinking, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, slurred speech, headache, light-headedness and tingling of the lips or tongue.
Localized reactions at the injection site include redness, swelling, thickening, and pitting of the skin at the site. Swelling of the hands and feet and low potassium levels in the blood are also potential side effects of the medication.
Benefits
Humulin N helps reduce blood sugar, or hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can damage many body systems and organs, and can affect blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, eyes and circulation. Amputation of lower extremities, high cholesterol levels, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve damage and heart attack are also common complications of chronically high blood sugar levels that Humulin N therapy can help decrease, according to Family Doctor.
Considerations
Illness, stress, a change in your activity level or diet and surgery can all change insulin needs, according to Drugs.com. Keep your medical practitioner apprised of your health so he can adjust doses of Humulin N insulin if necessary. Doses should not be adjusted without your medical practitioner's approval, since too little insulin can cause hyperglycemia, high blood sugar, and too much can cause hypoglycemia.
People taking Humulin N insulin should wear a diabetic bracelet at all times so that they can be properly treated if they become unconscious, and should always carry hard candies or diabetic glucose tablets and take them at the first sign of hypoglycemia.
