Pre-mixed rapid-acting insulin 50/50 analogue twice daily is useful not only for controlling post-prandial blood glucose, but also for stabilizing the diurnal variation of blood glucose levels: switching from pre-mixed insulin 70/30 or 75/25 to pre-mixed insulin 50/50.

This study assessed the clinical effects of switching from twice-daily rapid-acting insulin 70/30 or 75/25 to twice-daily rapid-acting insulin lispro mixture 50/50 (Mix 50/50) in order to stabilize the diurnal variation of blood glucose levels in patients who showed poor control of blood glucose levels on their original medication. The patients were hospitalized for the switch. The initial dose (units of insulin) of Mix 50/50 that patients were switched to was the same as that of the insulin preparations that they were receiving previously. Mix 50/50 significantly suppressed blood glucose elevation from the time before breakfast to the period between breakfast and lunch and also from the time before supper to the period between supper and bedtime, thereby stabilizing the diurnal variation of blood glucose levels. None of the patients experienced any episodes of hypoglycaemia. In conclusion, switching to twice-daily Mix 50/50 insulin injections controlled post-prandial blood glucose levels and stabilized diurnal blood glucose variations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who had poor glucose control on insulin 70/30 or 75/25.