How NovoLog® Works

NovoLog® can help you maintain control

NovoLog® is used to treat both type 1 diabetes in patients 2 years and older, and type 2 diabetes. As an insulin therapy that you take at mealtime, NovoLog® is called a bolus insulin therapy.

Insulin therapy should mimic this natural pattern of how insulin is used in the body. Normally, the pancreas makes a small, steady flow of insulin, called a "basal" flow. This keeps blood sugar within a normal range overnight and between meals.

In a person who doesn't have diabetes, the pancreas makes a short burst, or "bolus," of insulin to handle the blood sugar from the meal. As a bolus, or fast-acting insulin, NovoLog® imitates these bursts, helping control mealtime blood sugar.

Basal insulin and NovoLog®

In addition to bolus insulin, there is basal insulin. In fact, you may already be taking a long-acting basal insulin.

In people without diabetes, a steady amount of bolus insulin is released into the bloodstream day and night. This insulin helps control blood sugar between meals and during sleep. Basal insulin and bolus insulin, such as NovoLog®, work together to control blood sugar.

NovoLog® vs regular human insulin

NovoLog® helps cover your mealtime insulin needs, when your blood sugar level rises quickly. As a fast-acting insulin analog, NovoLog® acts quickly, so you can eat within 5 to 10 minutes.

As you can see from the graph above, NovoLog® closely imitates the bodyʼs natural insulin response after eating. This can help you control your blood sugar. Learn more about types of insulin therapy.

Fast-acting mealtime insulin, like NovoLog®, lasts for 3 to 5 hours in your system. This may mean that NovoLog® can help you fit your insulin into your day. If you have an unpredictable mealtime schedule, NovoLog® can help you keep up.

With NovoLog®, you can work with your doctor to adjust your insulin dose for your own individual eating and exercise habits. You can also adjust for high or low blood glucose levels.