Humulin N is the brand name of insulin isophane, or NPH insulin. This type of insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin, which is sometimes called basal, or background insulin, because it provides a long duration of insulin protection against your blood sugar level fluctuations throughout the entire day. After subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once or twice a day it typically begins to work in 90 minutes and lasts for approximately 24 hours. Humulin-N is structurally identical to naturally occurring human insulin, but it is mixed small proteins called protamines to help slow down the onset and increase the duration of insulin action.
Like all insulin analogs, Humulin-N simulates the activity of naturally occurring human insulin, which is a hormone produced in the pancreas. Insulin decreases the amount of sugar in your blood and urine by increasing the absorption of sugar from your blood into various tissues in your body, such as the liver, muscles, and fat. To help control your diabetes, your doctor has prescribed you injections of insulin to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level and to keep your urine as free of sugar as possible.
If you are a new patient receiving insulin for the first time you can be started on Humulin N in the same manner as you would be on animal-source insulin. You should be monitored closely during the adjustment period.
