What kind of insulin is NPH?
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 10, 2024.
NPH insulin is used in type 1 and type 2 diabetics to control blood glucose (sugar).
NPH insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N) is an intermediate-acting insulin that usually reaches the bloodstream about 1 to 3 hours after injection, peaks 4 to 12 hours later, and is effective for about 12 to 16 hours.
However, it's important to remember that the onset and duration of action of any insulin may vary individually or at different times in the same individual. NPH insulin is similar to the insulin the body makes naturally.
Read next
Toujeo vs Lantus - What's the difference between them?
Both Toujeo and Lantus are long-acting insulins that contain glargine, however Toujeo is more concentrated containing 300 units per mL of glargine, compared to Lantus’s 100 units per mL. When you take this into account the cost of Toujeo and Lantus works out approximately the same (real cost value $30.76/mL for Toujeo compared with $30.23/mL for Lantus). Continue reading
How and where should I inject insulin?
Injecting insulin is not difficult, but it does take a bit of practice. There are three main sites where insulin can be injected: the stomach area except for a 2-inch circle around your navel, and the soft part of your waist, but not anywhere near your spine; the top and outer part of your thighs, but not your inner thighs or anywhere close to your knee; the outer back of your upper arm where there is a pocket of fatty tissue. Continue reading
Can Trulicity be used with insulin?
Trulicity can be used with insulin, but because the combination of Trulicity and insulin increases the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), the dosage of insulin may need to be reduced. Continue reading
See also:
Rybelsus
Rybelsus tablets are used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, and may ...
Zepbound
Zepbound (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and obstructive sleep ...
Ozempic
Learn about Ozempic (semaglutide) for type 2 diabetes treatment, weight management, cardiovascular ...
Wegovy
Wegovy (semaglutide) an FDA-approved weekly injection for weight loss and to reduce heart risks ...
Victoza
Victoza helps control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of serious heart problems in people ...
Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) injection is used for weight loss in obese or overweight patients. Includes ...
Alli
alli blocks the absorption of some of the fat that you eat and is used to treat obesity. Learn ...
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity. Learn ...
Amphetamine
Amphetamine is a stimulant and is used to trat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder. Includes ...
Phentermine
Phentermine is an appetite suppressant used together with diet and exercise to treat obesity. Learn ...
Related medical questions
- What is A1C? Normal vs dangerous levels, and how to lower It
- Is Trulicity a form of insulin?
- What are the different types of insulin?
- When does insulin lispro peak / how long does it last?
- What type of insulin is Humalog?
- Is Toujeo a fast or long-acting insulin?
- What is insulin icodec?
- How fast does insulin lispro work?
- Is Admelog fast-acting insulin?
- Levemir vs Lantus: What's the difference?
- What is the difference between regular insulin and lispro (Humalog)?
- Humalog vs Novolog (Novalog): What's the difference?
- Are Humulin and Humalog the same thing?
- Are glucagon and glycogen the same thing?
- Toujeo vs Tresiba - What's the difference between them?
- Is there a list of drugs that require cold storage?
- Humulin N vs Humulin R - What's the difference?
- Is Novolin the same as Humulin?
- How long can Humulin be unrefrigerated?
- Does Tresiba cause weight gain?
- When is the best time to administer Humalog insulin?
- Is Humulin fast or long-acting insulin?
- How long does Humulin last?
- Insulin vs Glucagon - What do they have in common?
- Should I be Concerned about Prediabetes?
- When does NPH insulin peak?
- Which type of insulin has the longest duration of action?
Related support groups
- Insulin (89 questions, 223 members)
- Humulin N (10 questions, 9 members)
- Novolin N (7 questions, 14 members)
- Humulin N Pen (4 questions, 4 members)
- NPH Insulin (3 questions, 3 members)
- Novolin N Innolet (2 questions, 4 members)
- Novolin N PenFill (2 questions, 4 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (505 questions, 1,428 members)