In Novolin 30/70, which statement is true about the onset of action of its components?

In Novolin 30/70, which statement is true about the onset of action of its components?

• A. Regular insulin has an onset of 0.5-1 hours, while isophane has an onset of 1-3 hours.
• B. Isophane has a faster onset than regular insulin.
• C. Both insulins have the same onset.
• D. Regular insulin has no onset within 1 hour.

Answer: (A)

Novolin 30/70 contains a short-acting regular insulin and an intermediate-acting isophane (NPH) insulin. Regular insulin typically begins to work within about 0.5 to 1 hour after injection, while isophane starts later, around 1 to 3 hours. In a premixed preparation, the overall onset mirrors the component that acts first, so you’ll see effects start around 0.5 to 1 hour due to the regular insulin. That makes the statement describing these onset times correct. Isophane does not have a faster onset than regular insulin, the two do not share the same onset, and regular insulin does begin within an hour—so the other options don’t fit.

Novolin 30/70 contains a short-acting regular insulin and an intermediate-acting isophane (NPH) insulin. Regular insulin typically begins to work within about 0.5 to 1 hour after injection, while isophane starts later, around 1 to 3 hours. In a premixed preparation, the overall onset mirrors the component that acts first, so you’ll see effects start around 0.5 to 1 hour due to the regular insulin. That makes the statement describing these onset times correct. Isophane does not have a faster onset than regular insulin, the two do not share the same onset, and regular insulin does begin within an hour—so the other options don’t fit.