Humalog is a combination of two medicines used to improve blood sugar control in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It’s a fast-acting type of insulin that helps to lower blood sugar levels after meals and reduce the chances of developing serious complications of diabetes.
It is normally prescribed along with a long-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. It should be taken 15 minutes before a meal or within 20 minutes after starting a meal. Don’t stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
It is only part of a treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor. Check your blood sugar levels regularly, keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important to work out the correct dose of the medicine for you.
The most common side effect of this medicine is low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). To prevent this, it's important to always inject the correct dose of medicine only, have regular meals, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Drinking excessive alcohol can also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels. Other side effects include allergy at the injection site like redness, swelling, or hard lumps (lipodystrophy). Some people may also notice itching and rash while taking it.
Do not use this medicine when you have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver or heart problems before starting treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor as the dose may need to be changed.
