Managing diabetes in Pakistan requires access to effective, affordable, and regulated insulin. This comprehensive guide explores the best insulin for diabetes in Pakistan (2025) based on expert recommendations, types, local brands, availability, and health authority guidelines.
Types of Insulin Available in Pakistan
Pakistan offers a wide range of insulin options to treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:
1. Human Insulin (Conventional)
- Short-acting: Novolin R, Humulin R, DongSulin R
- Intermediate-acting: Novolin N, Humulin N, Insulatard
- Premixed: Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30
2. Insulin Analogues
- Rapid-acting: NovoRapid (Aspart), Humalog (Lispro)
- Long-acting (Basal): Lantus (Glargine), Levemir (Detemir), Tresiba (Degludec)
- Premixed Analogues: NovoMix 30 (BIAsp 30)
These analogues help mimic natural insulin patterns more closely than human insulin.
Read More: Top Insulin Brands for Diabetes in Pakistan – Complete Guide 2025
Pakistan Health Guidelines on Insulin Use
According to the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA) and GDM SAFES Guidelines:
- Start with human insulin (NPH + Regular) for most patients.
- Use Aspart or Lispro for faster post-meal sugar control.
- For basal support, Glargine (Lantus) or Detemir (Levemir) are recommended.
- In pregnancy, insulin is preferred over oral medications.
Doctors initiate insulin at 0.1–0.2 units/kg and adjust every 2–3 days based on sugar levels.
Top Insulin Brands in Pakistan 2025
| Brand Name | Type | Manufacturer | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lantus | Glargine | Sanofi | Widely Available |
| NovoRapid | Aspart | Novo Nordisk | High |
| Ferulin | Human Insulin | Ferozsons (Local) | Affordable |
| Novolin R/N/70-30 | Regular/NPH/Mix | Novo Nordisk | Common |
| Humulin R/N/70-30 | Regular/NPH/Mix | Eli Lilly | Moderate |
| Insuget | Regular/NPH | Getz Pharma (Local) | Budget Option |
| Tresiba | Degludec (Ultra) | Novo Nordisk | Limited |
| Gan & Lee Glargine | Long-acting | China (Biosimilar) | Cost-effective |
Affordability & Accessibility in Pakistan
According to WHO/HAI data and local market trends:
- Human insulin (e.g., Ferulin, Insuget) is more budget-friendly (~PKR 400–600).
- Insulin analogues are more expensive (PKR 2,000–3,000).
- Biosimilars like Gan & Lee Glargine offer better affordability with similar performance.
Many public hospitals offer free or subsidized insulin, but shortages occur.
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Expert Recommendations
Doctors recommend:
- Type 1 diabetes: Rapid + basal analogue (e.g., NovoRapid + Lantus)
- Type 2 diabetes: Start with NPH or Glargine; add bolus insulin if needed
- Gestational diabetes: Regular + NPH or Detemir preferred
- Use premixed insulin for simple once or twice daily dosing (e.g., NovoMix 30)
Tips for Safe Use in Pakistan
- Store insulin between 2°C–8°C (use insulated bags in summer).
- Always rotate injection sites (abdomen, thigh, arm).
- Monitor blood sugar regularly and adjust dose as prescribed.
- Never use expired or frozen insulin.
Conclusion: Which Is the Best Insulin for Diabetes in Pakistan?
The best insulin for diabetes in Pakistan depends on your type of diabetes, budget, and access:
| Condition | Recommended Insulin |
|---|---|
| Type 1 Diabetes | NovoRapid + Lantus / Detemir |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Glargine / NPH ± Aspart or Regular |
| Pregnancy | Regular + NPH / Detemir (preferred) |
| Low Budget | Ferulin, DongSulin, Humulin/Novolin R/N |
| Convenience | NovoMix 30 (Premixed Aspart) |
Always consult an endocrinologist before changing insulin therapy. Stay tuned with Bloom Pakistan
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