Human insulin (soluble and isophane)
Human insulin is a insulin found in 3 medicines sold in India, such as Mixtard 30, Huminsulin 30/70, Insugen 30/70. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
Also called: insulin, regular insulin, nph insulin
What it is used for
Mix of short- and medium-acting insulin to control blood sugar around meals and through the day.
How it works
Human insulin in soluble (short-acting) and isophane (intermediate) forms; premixed 30/70 covers both a meal and the hours after.
How to take it
Premixed: inject 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner; roll the pen gently to mix before each dose. Inject under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites. Never share pens. Store spare pens in the fridge (not frozen); the pen in use keeps at room temperature for about 4 weeks.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar
- Weight gain
- Lumps or dents at injection sites if the same spot is used
Get medical help straight away if
Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food)
Be careful
Can cause low sugar; inject as advised before meals.
Other medicines and interactions
Alcohol, missed meals and exercise lower sugar further; beta blockers can hide warning signs. Steroids raise sugar. Pioglitazone with insulin can cause fluid build-up.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Insulin is the standard treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding; doses change and need close monitoring.
Brands of Human insulin (3)
Common questions
What is Human insulin used for?
Mix of short- and medium-acting insulin to control blood sugar around meals and through the day.
How does Human insulin work?
Human insulin in soluble (short-acting) and isophane (intermediate) forms; premixed 30/70 covers both a meal and the hours after.
How should I take Human insulin?
Premixed: inject 30 minutes before breakfast and dinner; roll the pen gently to mix before each dose. Inject under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites. Never share pens. Store spare pens in the fridge (not frozen); the pen in use keeps at room temperature for about 4 weeks.
What are the side effects of Human insulin?
Common: Low blood sugar, weight gain, lumps or dents at injection sites if the same spot is used. Get help straight away for: Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food).
Does Human insulin interact with other medicines?
Alcohol, missed meals and exercise lower sugar further; beta blockers can hide warning signs. Steroids raise sugar. Pioglitazone with insulin can cause fluid build-up.
Is Human insulin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Insulin is the standard treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding; doses change and need close monitoring.
Does Human insulin need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Human insulin?
Huminsulin 30/70, Insugen 30/70, Mixtard 30.
Sources and further reading
- Human insulin (soluble and isophane): NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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