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Pre-mixed human insulin (soluble + isophane)

Biphasic isophane insulin

Brand names: Humulin M3, Insuman Comb

A premixed insulin preparation combining a fixed proportion of short-acting (soluble) insulin with intermediate-acting isophane (NPH) insulin, used to manage diabetes mellitus.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

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

Insulin binds to cell-surface insulin receptors to promote cellular glucose uptake, suppress hepatic glucose output and inhibit lipolysis; the dual formulation provides both rapid postprandial cover and a more sustained basal component.

Prescribing in practice

  • The principal hazard is hypoglycaemia, particularly with missed meals, exercise or dose changes; patients and carers must recognise and treat warning symptoms.
  • The biphasic ratio is fixed, so brand and ratio should never be switched without specialist review as glycaemic control can change.
  • Requires resuspension by gentle mixing before each injection and rotation of injection sites to avoid lipohypertrophy.

Monitoring

Monitor capillary blood glucose and HbA1c regularly, reviewing injection technique and sites at routine appointments.

Counselling the patient

  • Learn to recognise and treat hypoglycaemia and always carry a fast-acting source of sugar.
  • Gently mix the suspension until uniformly cloudy before injecting and rotate sites each time.
  • Do not stop insulin abruptly and seek advice during illness as requirements may change.

Evidence & guidelines

Insulin therapy is foundational diabetes management endorsed by NICE; prescribers should consult current prescribing references for product-specific guidance.

Reference: NICE NG28; 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.

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