Premixed Insulin 70/30 and Mixes: Who They Suit
Premixed insulins (Humulin and Novolin 70/30, Humalog Mix, NovoLog Mix) explained: what the numbers mean, meal timing, mixing technique and cost.
3 min read
Key takeaways
Premixed insulins combine an intermediate-acting insulin with a rapid- or short-acting one in a fixed ratio, usually injected twice a day with meals. They suit people with regular meal times who want fewer injections. 70/30 human insulin is among the cheapest options.
Premixed insulin at a glance
| Generic name | premixed insulin |
|---|---|
| Made by | Eli Lilly; Novo Nordisk |
| Type | Premixed (intermediate + rapid or short) |
| Form | Vials, pens |
| How often | Usually twice daily with meals |
| United States | FDA-approved. |
| Canada | Available in Canada. |
Full Premixed insulin reference: uses, dosing, side effects →
What the numbers mean
In 70/30, 70% of the insulin is intermediate-acting and 30% short- or rapid-acting. Humalog Mix 75/25 and NovoLog Mix 70/30 use modern rapid-acting insulins; Humulin and Novolin 70/30 use human insulin.
Routine matters
Because each dose covers a meal and the hours after it, regular meals are important. Skipping a meal after a premixed dose can cause a low. Ask how to handle late or small meals.
Mixing technique
Premixed insulins are cloudy suspensions. Roll and tip the pen or vial gently until evenly cloudy before every dose.
- Check the label and the insulin's appearance before every dose.
- Attach a new needle and do the safety (prime) shot the leaflet describes.
- Inject under the skin and hold the needle in for the time the leaflet says.
- Rotate sites within an area to avoid lumpy skin (lipohypertrophy), which slows absorption.
- Never share pens, even with a new needle.
Low blood sugar
Know your low-sugar plan. Signs include shaking, sweating, a fast heartbeat, hunger, confusion and irritability. A common approach is the rule of 15: take 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate (glucose tablets, juice or regular soda), recheck after 15 minutes, and repeat if still low. Make sure someone close to you knows how to use rescue glucagon.
Storage and cost
Unopened: refrigerate. In use: follow the product labeling. Human-insulin 70/30 is available over the counter at many US pharmacies at low cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is Humalog Mix the same as Humulin 70/30?
No. They contain different insulins with different timing; do not swap them without your prescriber.
When do I inject?
Timing depends on the product — modern mixes close to the meal, human 70/30 about 30 minutes before. Follow your label and plan.
Can I adjust the ratio?
No. The ratio is fixed; if you need more flexibility, separate basal and mealtime insulins may suit you better.
Keep reading
Sources
Checked against these primary sources on .
General information based on the official label. It does not replace advice from your prescriber or pharmacist.