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Compare Tresiba vs. Humalog

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Tresiba (insulin degludec) and Humalog (insulin lispro) are both insulins used to manage diabetes, but they have different characteristics and uses. Tresiba is a long-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels over a full day and can be taken at any time of the day. In contrast, Humalog is a fast-acting insulin that works quickly to lower blood sugar levels after meals and is typically taken multiple times a day. Tresiba is only available as a brand-name medication and only in pen form, while Humalog is available in both vials and prefilled pens, including different versions like the KwikPen and has lower-cost follow-on or unbranded option available. Tresiba is suitable for children as young as 1 year old, whereas Humalog can be used in children as young as 3 years old. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, but Tresiba is taken once daily, while Humalog requires more frequent dosing. Additionally, Tresiba can be stored at room temperature for up to 56 days, whereas Humalog is good for 28 days after opening.

  • Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)
  • Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
    Humalog (insulin lispro)

  • Summary of Tresiba vs. Humalog

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Insulin degludec (Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It's injected under the skin once per day. Insulin degludec (Tresiba) comes as a vial and FlexTouch pen. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. Tresiba is available as a brand-name medication and an unbranded biologic.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Humalog (insulin lispro) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It helps prevent and treat high blood sugar from meals. This medication lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar from your blood and into your body. Humalog (insulin lispro) is typically given as an injection under the skin. In certain situations, it's injected into the veins by a healthcare provider. Humalog (insulin lispro) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

  • Indications of Tresiba vs. Humalog

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Tresiba vs. Humalog

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Injected once daily
    •Each dose can help control blood sugar levels for about 42 hours
    •Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 months
    Cons
    •Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Can't be mixed with other insulins
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 15 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
    •Dose can be easily adjusted to make a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific needs
    •Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use
    •Can use at home after proper training
    •Can use in children as young as 3 years old with Type 1 diabetes
    Cons
    •Given multiple times a day (before each meal)
    •Must give as an injection
    •Might be hard for some people to take properly
    •Risk of low blood sugar
    •Can cause weight gain

  • Common Side Effects of Tresiba vs. Humalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar levels (up to 99%)
    •Common cold (up to 24%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    •Sinus infection (up to 5%)
    •Stomach viral infection (up to 5%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Type 1 diabetes:

    •Flu-like symptoms (35%)
    •Sore throat (33%)
    •Runny nose (25%)
    •Headache (30%)
    •Pain (20%)
    •Cough (17%)
    •Infection (14%)

    Type 2 diabetes:

    •Headache (12%)
    •Pain (11%)
    •Infection (10%)

  • Warnings of Tresiba vs. Humalog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infections with pen sharing
    •Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
    •Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
    •Allergic reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain blood sugar medications
    •Dangerously high blood sugar levels or buildup of ketones (for people who use insulin pump)

  • Prices with our coupons for Tresiba vs. Humalog

    Learn more about Insulin degludec
    Learn more about Humalog

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