Miscibility of semisynthetic human ultralente insulin with short-acting insulin in insulin-dependent diabetic patients

Summary In 15 insulin dependent diabetics (IDDM), treated with human monocomponent insulin, the absorption of Actrapid HM mixed with Ultratard HM was evaluated. Thirty U of Ultratard HM and 10 U of Actrapid HM were injected separately or together immediately after mixing. Free insulin and plasma glucose (PG) were measured four hours after the administration. Free insulin levels were significantly higher after 15 (2p<0.01), 60 (2p<0.05) and 90 min (2p<0.005) when the two insulins were injected separately. PG values were significantly lower (2p<0.05) (7.63±4.06 mmol/1) at 120 min when the two insulins were injected separately compared to the mixture (9.45±4.22 mmol/l). In conclusion, mixing Ultratard HM and Actrapid HM 3:1, we observed a decrease of early Actrapid absorption and a slower lowering of PG values.