Diabetes Type 1 Support Group

Childhood","Childhood diabetes is when the pancreas in a child does not produce enough insulin on its own. In order to survive, insulin injections need to be incorporated as well as diet regulation. If your child is diagnosed with diabetes, find support and share your experiences here. Caring for a child with diabetes is challenging. We're here for you."

351 Members
1,039 Posts
0 Online
Endocrine System
/ Diabetes Type 1 Support Group

Humolog vs Novlog

jpf777777
jpf777777
What is the diffrence between the two?

JP
deleted_user
deleted_user
They are both fast acting insulins, but made by different companies. Humalog is made by the Eli Lilly, and Novolog by Novo Nordisk. They both remain active for about 4 hours in your body. A third fast acting insulin is called Apidra. It acts quicker, and lasts about 3 hours.
smith101
smith101
Hey JP,

From my personal experience Novolog takes about ten minutes in me to start working and was completely through my system in about 3 hours 15 minutes. Humalog takes about 15 minutes to start working in me and is out of my system in 4 hours.

So there isnt too much of a difference for me but I would say Novolog acts a little quicker and I also needed a little less to get the same effects as I did with Humalog. However, I was able to achieve the same level of control with both.

Oddly enough my insurance will only cover Humalog. I know for others it will only cover Novolog even though both are indeed fast acting insulins as Richard mentioned.

Richard have you tried out the Apidra yet? I havent heard of anyone on it yet but I have seen advertisements for it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
this probably won't help anyone very much, but when I first got diabetes about six months ago, they started me on Apidra. When I went to a CDE, she said she much preferred Novolog and switched me to it. The problem is that I don't know why. So sorry that I don't have more info. If I wasn't so confused at the time, I would have asked what the difference was.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have used both Humalog and Novolog. The VA only has Novolog in its drug formalary. I was told they could try for special circumstances; but would have to document and Etc. I not sure if my perception of decreased sensitivity and weight retention are due to the switch from Humalog to Novalog. Since they worked very similarly for me, I settled for the Novolog.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I've used both and liked both, I started with Novolog and it worked like a charm in the insulin pens..but I switched to Humalog pens before I got on insulin pump therapy with Humalog as well, and sometimes when I take injections or give boluses of 3+ units, the insulin hurts (like a burning feeling) going into my body. Maybe I'm just super sensitive to it? But I never had that feeling with novolog.. Just thought I'd share that with you!