Premixed insulin at ratio 3/7 and regular + isophane insulins at mixing ratios from 2/8 to 4/6 achieve the same metabolic control.

The insulin regimen with two daily injections is still that more frequently used. Often regular and NPH insulins are mixed at different ratios according to the patient's need; however, the mixture preparation can involve several errors. Efficacy, safety and compliance were evaluated comparing a premixture 3/7 (Actraphane HM) with extemporary mixtures of regular + NPH at mixing ratios ranging from 2/8 to 4/6, in a cross-over study of 8 weeks involving 20 insulin dependent diabetics. Metabolic control, hypoglycaemic episodes, insulin dose and proportions were similar with both treatments while a higher compliance was achieved with the premixture. In conclusion, premixture 3/7 and extemporary mixture (from 2/8 to 4/6) obtain the same efficacy and safety but the former shows a higher acceptability.