Commonly used insulin regimens

Commonly used insulin regimens are:

• Basal bolus - Long-acting / intermediate-acting insulin given once or twice daily to provide background insulin, with faster acting insulin to cover meals.
• Twice daily mixed - Combination of intermediate and faster acting insulin, usually given before the breakfast and evening meal, not at bedtime.  The number in the name of the insulin is an indicator of the percentage of rapid-acting insulin e.g.:
  Humalog® Mix25 = 25% short-acting insulin and 75% intermediate-acting insulin,
  Humulin® M3 = 30% short-acting insulin and 70% intermediate-acting insulin. 
• Basal - Long-acting / intermediate-acting insulin, usually given once daily. 

For further information on insulin profiles, when they should be taken and the duration of action, see here. For pharmacological treatment options in diabetes see here. 

Guideline reviewed: February 2025

Page updated: November 2025