Biphasic insulin aspart
Brand names: NovoMix 30
A premixed (biphasic) insulin combining rapid-acting insulin aspart with an intermediate-acting protaminated component, given by subcutaneous injection for the management of diabetes mellitus. This page covers the premixed formulation and its mealtime-related risks.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Clinical monograph
How it works
The rapid-acting aspart fraction controls post-meal glucose while the protaminated fraction provides a slower background effect; both lower blood glucose by promoting cellular glucose uptake and suppressing hepatic glucose output.
Prescribing in practice
- Hypoglycaemia is the principal hazard — because the rapid component acts quickly, the dose must be matched to meals and given in close relation to eating to avoid hypoglycaemia.
- Resuspend the cloudy suspension gently before each dose and never administer it intravenously.
- Requirements change with illness, exercise, weight and renal function, and switching between insulin products should be supervised.
Monitoring
Monitor capillary and longer-term blood glucose (HbA1c), injection sites and for hypoglycaemia, adjusting doses to intake and activity.
Counselling the patient
- Mix the pen until evenly cloudy and inject just before a meal as advised.
- Recognise and treat hypoglycaemia, and rotate injection sites.
- Never share insulin pens or needles and adjust monitoring during illness.
Evidence & guidelines
Premixed insulin aspart is supported by randomised trials demonstrating effective control of post-prandial and overall glycaemia in diabetes.
Reference: NICE NG28; NICE NG17; JBDS; Confirm identity and dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC) and NICE. Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) · JBDS 2013 / Joint British Diabetes Societies; NICE NG17
- Adult Hypoglycaemia (Treated Diabetes) · JBDS-IP (2023): Hospital Management of Hypoglycaemia
- Adrenal Crisis · Society for Endocrinology Emergency Guidance (2024)
- Type 2 Diabetes Management · NICE NG28 2022
- Hyperthyroidism Management · BTA / ETA 2018
- Adrenal Insufficiency · Society of Endocrinology / ESE 2016