Humulin R is used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise to help improve blood sugar level control in adults and children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is also used to treat gestational diabetes and diabetic complications, such as hyperosmolar hyperglycemic and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) states. It may also be used in combination with glucose (sugar) to help lower potassium levels in those with hyperkalemia (high blood potassium).
Humulin-R is a short-acting insulin analog that begins working 30 minutes after injection, and it can last approximately 6 to 8 hours. It can give you protection against the blood sugar spikes that occur after meals, if you take it 30 to 60 minutes before the meal.
Subcutaneous administration of Humulin-R is typically given three or more times a day before meals. Your dose and dosing schedule will likely be personalized and determined by your doctor for your individual needs. An average range of total daily insulin needs for maintenance therapy of insulin-treated diabetic patients that do not have severe insulin resistance is between 0.5 and 1 unit/kg/day.
