How to Convert Humalog to Novolog
Novolog and Humalog are fast-acting insulins made by two different manufacturers; Eli Lilly introduced Humalog in 2006, while Novo Nordisk launched Novolog in 2001. While on average they share similar onset (10 minutes), peak (one and a half hours), and wearing off (three hours) times, most diabetics react differently enough to warrant different dosages when switching from Humalog to Novolog. Knowing what to expect when changing from one to the other can help prepare you for lower blood sugars than normal.
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Instructions
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Multiply your normal Humalog carbohydrate to insulin ratio by 0.9. This is your new carbohydrate to insulin ratio for Novolog. For example, if you normally take 1.0 units of Humalog for every 15 grams of carbohydrate, you should take 0.9 units of Novolog for every 15 grams of carbohydrate.
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Multiply your normal Humalog correction bolus by 0.9. This is your new correction bolus for Novolog. For example, if 1.0 units of Humalog usually drops your blood sugar reading by 50, then 0.9 units of Novolog will now drop your blood sugar reading by 50. (Stated another way, 1.0 units of Novolog will drop your blood sugar reading by 55.5.)
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If you use an insulin pump, write your basal rates down on a piece of paper. Multiply each rate by 0.9, and reprogram your basal rates to these new amounts (keeping your time ranges the same). Keep your list of original basal rates on hand for reference.
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Tips & Warnings
Never switch between Novolog and Humalog without consulting your diabetes educator or healthcare professional. While the transition seems small, they need to be kept abreast of all changes in case of an emergency. They can also provide advice for helping you refine your new bolus and basal rates if necessary.
