Pre-mixed human insulin (soluble + isophane)
Biphasic isophane insulin
Brand names: Humulin M3, Insuman Comb
Adult dose
Dose: Individualised; BD with meals
Route: Subcutaneous
Frequency: BD
Clinical pearls
- NICE NG28 / NG17
- JBDS
- Largely superseded by insulin analogue mixes for many patients
Contraindications
- Hypoglycaemia
- Hypersensitivity
Side effects
- Hypoglycaemia
- Weight gain
- Lipohypertrophy
Interactions
- Beta-blockers
- Steroids
- Thiazides
Monitoring
- Blood glucose
- HbA1c
- Hypoglycaemia
Reference: BNF; NICE NG28; NG17; JBDS; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/biphasic-isophane-insulin/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Calculators
Pathways
- 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