Novolin N vs. Novolin 70/30 for Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Novolin N

Novolin 70/30

Summary for Novolin N

Prescription or over-the-counter

Novolin N, a brand name of insulin NPH, is an intermediate-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This type of insulin comes in a vial (Novolin N) and a pen (Novolin N Flexpen). There's also a Novolin N ReliOn brand name. Novolin N is injected under the skin once or twice daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and reactions at the injection site.

Indications for Novolin N

Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Novolin N

Pros

Available over the counter without a prescription
Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Available as a pen and vial
Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket

Cons

Might need to inject twice daily
Must give as an injection under the skin
Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Novolin N

Low blood sugar
Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)

Warnings for Novolin N

Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Low blood potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications

Summary for Novolin 70/30

Prescription or over-the-counter

Novolin 70/30, or Novolin 70/30 ReliOn, is a mixture of two types of insulin: 70% insulin NPH (or "isophane insulin") and 30% insulin regular. It's used to help control blood sugar levels in adults and children with diabetes. The medication comes in vials and prefilled pens (called Novolin 70/30 FlexPen). It's injected under the skin about 30 minutes before a meal. Possible side effects include reactions at the injection site and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Novolin 70/30 is available by prescription and over the counter (OTC), but there's no generic yet.

Indications for Novolin 70/30

Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Novolin 70/30

Pros

Helps manage blood sugar from meals and control blood sugar throughout the day
Can use for children with Type 1 diabetes
Available as a FlexPen that helps make injections easier
Available by prescription or over the counter

Cons

Can't customize the dose of each type of insulin in Novolin 70/30
Must be comfortable giving yourself injections under the skin
Can cause low blood sugar and weight gain
Must check your blood sugar regularly

Common Side Effects for Novolin 70/30

Low blood sugar
Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)

Warnings for Novolin 70/30

Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Low blood potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications