Diabetes Outreach Network
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE TO DIABETES FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

8. Insulin Regimens

Standard Insulin Regimens

There are many different insulin protocols in use. These are just four commonly used methods of delivering insulin. 

Comparison of Lispro(Humalog) and Regular Insulins

• Can generally make a 1:1 substitution (lispro for Regular)
• Lispro associated with lower postprandial blood glucose
• Fasting and premeal blood glucoses tend to be higher with lispro
• HbA1c levels similar with lispro and regular
• Fewer overnight hypoglycemic episodes with lispro; no difference in number of severe hypoglycemic episodes
• High fat meals or gastroparesis - regular may be best choice
• High carbohydrate meals - lispro more effective
• Decreased need for between meal snacks when using lispro
• May need more basal insulin when using lispro versus regular
• Regular may be best for very young who do not eat large amounts at one time
• Lispro offers no clear advantage over Regular
  • insulin pump use
  • patients using ultralente every 12 hours (lispro before meals and snacks)
• Some have used NPH/lispro before each meal (40% NPH, 60% lispro)