Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels. All type 1 diabetics -- who have lost the ability to produce insulin -- and some people with type 2 diabetes rely on insulin replacement therapy to control their blood sugar levels. Several types of medicinal insulin are available, which differ in terms of how quickly they begin to take effect, when the peak effect occurs and the total duration of action. Humulin R is the brand name of a short-acting insulin.
Onset and Peak Action
Although each person responds differently to various types of insulin, Humulin R usually begins to take effect 30 to 60 minutes after injection. The peak effect generally occurs two to four hours after you take your shot. Because of its effect profile, Humulin R is typically taken 30 to 60 minutes before meals to prevent your blood sugar level from rising too high after eating.
Duration of Action
Humulin R stays in your system and remains active for roughly five to eight hours. When you are taking a short-acting insulin like Humulin R, it is important to adhere to your nutrition plan and eat all scheduled meals and snacks. If you take your insulin shot but do not eat what you planned, your blood sugar level may drop to an abnormally low level, which can be potentially life threatening.
Chemical Structure
Although it is produced in a laboratory using recombinant DNA technology, Humulin R is chemically identical to insulin produced by your pancreas. Because it is structurally identical to naturally occurring insulin, Humulin R is less likely to cause an allergic reaction than diabetes medicines that have a chemical structure your body may recognize as foreign.
Hypoglycemia Risk
The most common adverse effect associated with Humulin R and other medicinal insulins is low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Possible symptoms include inattention, headache, sweating, lightheadedness, hunger, tingling around the mouth, confusion, slurred speech, anxiety, sleepiness, irritability and unsteadiness. Hypoglycemia can progress to seizures, coma and death.
Many diabetics develop hypoglycemia unawareness, wherein you do not develop early warning signs of the condition or are unable to recognize them. Checking your blood sugar regularly and making sure your friends and loved ones are aware of the signs of hypoglycemia can be helpful for early detection and intervention. Always keep glucose tablets, gel or another source of rapidly absorbed sugar available in case you experience an episode of hypoglycemia.
Dosage Warning
Humulin R comes in two different strengths, U-100 and U-500. It is important to know which strength your doctor has prescribed for you, because U-500 is five times more potent than U-100. Always double-check your medication to be sure you are giving yourself the correct dose of insulin.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Types of Insulin
- Eli Lilly and Company: Humulin R Prescribing Information
- Eli Lilly and Company: Humulin R Patient Information
- PubMed Health: Insulin Injection
- Endotext.com; Insulin Pharmacology, Types of Regimens and Adjustments; Sinan Tanyolac et al.; April 2008
