Insul 30/70 vial

Insul 30/70 – Biphasic Human Insulin 100 IU/ml Vial

What is Insul 30/70?

Insul 30/70 is a premixed biphasic human insulin manufactured by Renata Ltd., one of Bangladesh's leading pharmaceutical companies. Each ml contains 30 IU soluble regular human insulin (short-acting) and 70 IU isophane human insulin (NPH, intermediate-acting), produced using recombinant DNA technology. This fixed-ratio combination provides both post-meal glucose control (soluble fraction) and between-meal/overnight basal coverage (isophane fraction) in a single twice-daily injection. Insul 30/70 is a clinically proven, cost-effective option for patients with Type 2 diabetes who require insulin therapy.

Generic Name and Composition

Each ml: 30 IU soluble human insulin (regular, rDNA origin) — onset 30 min, peak 1–3 hrs, duration 6–8 hrs; 70 IU isophane human insulin (NPH, rDNA origin) — onset 1–2 hrs, peak 4–8 hrs, duration 12–18 hrs. The combination delivers a bimodal insulin action profile suitable for twice-daily dosing with meals. As a suspension (cloudy appearance), it requires thorough resuspension before each injection.

Indications

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy
• Type 1 diabetes where a premixed regimen is appropriate
• Patients transitioning from oral antidiabetics to insulin
• Cost-sensitive patients seeking effective, locally manufactured insulin

How It Works — Mechanism of Action

The soluble (regular) component is rapidly absorbed after SC injection, peaking at 1–3 hours to blunt post-meal glucose rises. The isophane (NPH) component provides a prolonged, slower glucose-lowering effect lasting 12–18 hours. Both act on insulin receptors to stimulate GLUT-4 glucose uptake in peripheral tissues (muscle, adipose), suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis, and promote glycogen synthesis — maintaining blood glucose in the target range throughout the day and night.

Dosage and Administration

Typical starting dose (Type 2): 0.2 IU/kg/day split into 2 injections — before breakfast and before dinner. Titration: Increase by 2 IU every 3 days targeting fasting glucose and pre-dinner glucose. Technique: Roll vial 10 times, invert 10 times until uniformly milky. Draw up with U-100 insulin syringe. Inject SC into abdomen, thigh, or upper arm 30 minutes before meals (human insulin onset is 30 min, unlike faster analogues).

Side Effects

Very common: Hypoglycaemia — particularly if meals are delayed after injection.

Common: Injection site reactions, lipohypertrophy, weight gain, peripheral oedema.

Uncommon: Lipoatrophy, visual refraction disturbances at therapy initiation.

Rare: Systemic hypersensitivity reactions, anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions

Potentiate hypoglycaemia: Oral antidiabetics, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, ACE inhibitors, MAO inhibitors, salicylates, sulfonamides, alcohol.

Antagonise insulin effect: Corticosteroids, glucagon, thyroid hormones, sympathomimetics, danazol, oral contraceptives, thiazide diuretics.

Mask hypoglycaemia symptoms: Beta-blockers, clonidine.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to human insulin or any excipient
• Active hypoglycaemia; IV or IM administration

Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy: Human insulin is safe for use in pregnancy under specialist supervision; doses typically need to be increased in the second and third trimesters. Lactation: Human insulin does not reach clinically relevant concentrations in breast milk.

Precautions and Warnings

• Resuspend before every injection: Roll 10x, invert 10x. Do not inject if the suspension is not uniformly milky.
• Inject 30 minutes before meals — human insulin's slower onset requires pre-meal timing.
• Rotate injection sites within the same anatomical region to prevent lipohypertrophy.
• Do not freeze. Discard vial if frozen.

Overdose

Results in hypoglycaemia. Mild: oral glucose. Severe: IV dextrose or IM glucagon 1 mg. Monitor closely — the NPH component can cause prolonged hypoglycaemia lasting 12–18 hours post-overdose.

Storage Instructions

• Unopened vial: 2–8°C. Do not freeze.
• In-use vial: Below 25°C. Protect from light and heat.
• Discard 28 days after first use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between Insul 30/70 and Insul 40 IU?
Insul 30/70 at 100 IU/ml is used with U-100 insulin syringes (standard modern syringes). Insul 40 IU/ml formulations require older U-40 syringes. Always match the insulin concentration to your syringe type — using a 100 IU/ml insulin with a U-40 syringe results in 2.5x overdose. Consult your pharmacist if unsure.

Q2: Why must Insul 30/70 be injected 30 minutes before eating?
The soluble (regular) human insulin component has an onset of approximately 30 minutes — much slower than rapid-acting insulin analogues (onset 10–15 min). Injecting 30 minutes before meals ensures the insulin is active when glucose from the meal enters the bloodstream, preventing post-meal spikes.

Q3: Is Insul 30/70 the same as Mixtard or Humulin 70/30?
Yes — all contain the same 30/70 biphasic human insulin formulation (30% soluble regular + 70% NPH isophane). The clinical profiles are equivalent; the primary difference is the manufacturer. Insul 30/70 is made by Renata Ltd. (Bangladesh), offering locally manufactured quality at accessible pricing.

Q4: Can I use Insul 30/70 with a pen device?
The vial formulation requires a standard insulin syringe. For pen use, look for Insul or equivalent formulations in pen cartridge or pre-filled pen formats. Using a vial with a pen device is not recommended and may result in dosing errors.

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Insul 30/70 is Rx-only. Consult your diabetologist before starting or changing insulin therapy. DiabetesStore.com.bd is a licensed online pharmacy in Bangladesh.