Effective management of diabetes usually depends on proper insulin use. Among the insulin therapies, rapid-acting insulins play a vital role in controlling blood sugar surges after meals.
Novolog (insulin aspart) and Humalog (insulin lispro) are among the most commonly prescribed rapid-acting insulins. Though similar in many aspects, their subtle differences may have different effects among patients.
Novolog vs. Humalog is a comparison of two rapid-acting insulins, their similarities and differences.
Rapid-Acting Insulins
Rapid-acting insulins are specially designed to act quickly, mimicking the body’s natural insulin response during meals. Compared to long acting insulin, rapid acting insulins have an instant response.
How Rapid-Acting Insulins Work
Rapid-acting insulins start working within minutes of injection. They are often used in combination with long-acting insulins or insulin pumps to provide basal (background) and bolus (mealtime) glucose control. These insulins:
- Start working within 10–20 minutes.
- Peak in effectiveness within 1–3 hours.
- Last for 3–5 hours.
Novolog and Humalog both fall into this category and play a critical role in preventing post-meal hyperglycemia.
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Novolog vs. Humalog
What is Novolog?
Novolog is the brand name of insulin aspart, an analog of human insulin manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
The FDA approved this drug in 2000. This is designed to mimic the body’s natural insulin response after meals.
The fundamental structural difference between Novolog and regular human insulin is the substitution of the amino acid proline with aspartic acid. This modification allows Novolog to act quicker upon injection. This makes
Novolog, a very versatile medication and thus fits into many diverse strategies for managing diabetes.
Novolog’s characteristics include:
- It can be used by people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Novolog is available in pre-filled insulin pens and vials and for use in insulin pumps, thus giving patients options in terms of needs and preferences.
- It is generally given before meals to help prevent postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar spikes in patients.
Novo Nordisk also provides combination products, like Novolog Mix 70/30, which combines fast-acting and intermediate-acting insulins to make treatment regimens easier for patients who need both basal and bolus coverage.
What is Humalog?
Humalog, or insulin lispro, was developed by Eli Lilly and approved by the FDA in 1996, making it one of the first fast-acting insulin analogs available. As in the case of Novolog, Humalog is also structurally modified to give a faster-acting profile.
In Humalog, two amino acids, lysine and proline, have their positions switched so that they can be absorbed and act quicker than normal human insulin.
Humalog’s characteristics include:
- Like Novolog, this drug is used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Humalog is available in vials, insulin pens (including the KwikPen), and as part of insulin pump therapy.
- It’s usually administered within 15 minutes of or just after meals and is flexible as it can adapt to patients’ unpredictable eating habits.
Eli Lilly also manufactures Humalog Mix 75/25 and Mix 50/50, which combine rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulins for patients requiring simplified regimens.
Read: Basal Insulin vs. Bolus Insulin for Diabetes Control
Similarities Between Novolog and Humalog
Novolog and Humalog share many commonalities that make them interchangeable for some patients:
- Indications:
- Both insulins are indicated to control mealtime blood glucose concentrations in both types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.
- Mechanism of Action:
- Both are rapid-acting insulin analogs, acting faster than the usual human insulin.
- Administration:
- Depending on patient preference, they can be administered via syringes, pre-filled pens, or insulin pumps.
- Efficacy:
- Clinical studies demonstrate that both Novolog and Humalog are equally effective at controlling postprandial blood glucose levels when used correctly.
- Side Effects:
- Both medications have similar side effect profiles, including risks of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, and localized injection site reactions.
Unique Features of Each Insulin
Although similar in many ways, Novolog and Humalog differ in several features:
- Novolog has an aspartic acid replacement of proline, whereas Humalog has a lysine-proline substitution, subtly affecting their pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Both insulins are approved for pediatric use, but dosing recommendations may vary.
- Both require refrigeration but have different stability periods at room temperature once opened.
Key Differences Between Novolog and Humalog
While Novolog and Humalog have many similarities, their differences can make a difference in patient choice.
Feature | Novolog (Insulin Aspart) | Humalog (Insulin Lispro) |
Chemical Structure | Substitution of a single amino acid to aspart | Substitution of a single amino acid to lispro |
Onset of Action | 10–20 minutes | 15 minutes |
Peak Action | 1–3 hours | 1–2 hours |
Duration | 3–5 hours | 3–4 hours |
Availability | Widely available in multiple formulations | Widely available in multiple formulations |
Generic Versions | Yes, as insulin Aspart | Yes, as insulin Lispro |
Cost | Slightly less expensive on average | Slightly more expensive on average |
Mixability | Can be mixed with certain intermediate-acting insulins | Same mixability profile |
Patient Response | Some patients report faster glucose control | Some patients prefer it due to personal response |
Choosing Between Novolog and Humalog
The factors involved in the choice between Novolog and Humalog are considered as follows:
- Doctors may prescribe the most suitable insulin based on the patient’s condition and better glycemic control
- The insurance coverage for both insulins is different, which highly affects affordability.
- Ease of use and availability of delivery methods might change a patient’s choice.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Like all insulins, Novolog and Humalog have possible side effects, including:
- The most common side effect is low blood sugar.
- Redness, swelling, or irritation at the injection site.
- Insulin therapy may cause mild weight gain in some patients.
Safe Usage Tips
- Always store insulin as directed (refrigeration is usually required).
- Rotate injection sites to avoid tissue damage.
- Follow dosing instructions carefully to avoid hypo- or hyperglycemia.
Read: 7 Shocking Insulin Side Effects You Need to Know About!
Conclusion
Novolog and Humalog are excellent options for controlling blood sugar levels during mealtimes in diabetes patients.
These drugs are essentially similar, yet there are nuanced differences between these drugs, which may be used as a guiding factor for some people to lean one way or the other. Ultimately, it all depends on one’s medical doctor, insurance plan, and better glycemic control.