Novolog Mix 70/30 is a premix insulin combining 70 percent protaminated insulin aspart (intermediate-acting) and 30 percent insulin aspart (rapid-acting) in a single suspension. It is used twice daily for adults with type 2 diabetes who want simpler insulin therapy than basal-bolus. Onset is 10 to 20 minutes, with a dual-peak profile and duration of approximately 12 to 24 hours. The cloudy suspension must be resuspended before each injection. Dose is individualized with a prescriber.
What Novolog Mix 70/30 Is
Novolog Mix 70/30 (also known internationally as NovoMix 30 or biphasic insulin aspart 30) is a fixed combination insulin product manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Each unit contains:
- 70 percent insulin aspart protamine crystals (intermediate-acting, NPH-like profile)
- 30 percent insulin aspart in solution (rapid-acting)
The protaminated portion uses the same protamine-binding technology as NPH insulin, but applied to insulin aspart instead of human insulin. The result is a cloudy suspension that combines mealtime coverage (from the rapid aspart) with intermediate basal-like coverage (from the protaminated aspart).
Novolog Mix 70/30 is supplied as 10 mL U-100 vials and 3 mL FlexPen prefilled pens, all at U-100 concentration.
How Novolog Mix 70/30 Works
After subcutaneous injection, the two components separate:
- The free (soluble) insulin aspart is rapidly absorbed — onset within 10 to 20 minutes and peak at 2 to 3 hours, covering the meal eaten with the injection
- The protaminated aspart crystals dissolve slowly from the injection site over hours, releasing aspart with a profile similar to NPH — onset 1 to 2 hours, peak around 8 hours, duration extending the total insulin effect to 12 to 24 hours
The result is a dual-peak insulin curve from a single injection — one peak for the immediate meal and a second peak that provides intermediate-duration coverage until the next meal or bedtime.
Pharmacokinetics
| Parameter | Novolog Mix 70/30 |
|---|---|
| Onset of action | 10 to 20 minutes |
| First peak | 2 to 3 hours (rapid aspart) |
| Second peak | Approximately 8 hours (protaminated aspart) |
| Total duration | 12 to 24 hours |
| Appearance | Cloudy suspension — must be resuspended |
| Concentration | U-100 (100 units/mL) |
| Recommended timing | Within 15 minutes before a meal |
Who Novolog Mix 70/30 Is For
- Adults with type 2 diabetes who want fewer injections than full basal-bolus therapy
- People who prefer a predictable twice-daily schedule
- People transitioning from basal-only insulin who need additional mealtime coverage
- People with consistent meal patterns (similar carb intake at breakfast and dinner each day)
- People with type 2 diabetes for whom complex carb counting is impractical
- Patients in nursing homes or assisted living where simpler regimens improve adherence
Who Premix Insulins Are Less Suited For
- People with variable meal timing or meal sizes
- People with type 1 diabetes (basal-bolus or pump therapy is typically preferred)
- People with frequent hypoglycemia
- People with high A1C requiring tight individualized titration
- People who skip meals frequently
How Novolog Mix 70/30 Is Used
- Roll the vial or pen between the palms 10 to 20 times until the suspension is uniformly cloudy — do not shake
- Inject subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh, upper arm, or buttock
- Inject within 15 minutes before a meal — eat shortly after to avoid early hypoglycemia from the rapid component
- Twice-daily dosing: usually 50 to 70 percent of total daily dose with breakfast and the remainder with dinner, individualized by prescriber
- Site rotation reduces lipohypertrophy
Novolog Mix 70/30 vs Other Premix Insulins
| Premix Insulin | Components | Onset | Peaks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novolog Mix 70/30 | 70% protaminated aspart + 30% aspart | 10 to 20 min | 2-3 hr and ~8 hr | 12 to 24 hr |
| Humalog Mix 75/25 | 75% protaminated lispro + 25% lispro | 10 to 15 min | 1-2 hr and ~8 hr | 10 to 16 hr |
| Humalog Mix 50/50 | 50% protaminated lispro + 50% lispro | 10 to 15 min | ~1 hr and 4 to 6 hr | 10 to 16 hr |
| Humulin 70/30 | 70% NPH + 30% regular human | 30 min | 2-4 hr and 4-12 hr | 12 to 18 hr |
| Novolin 70/30 | 70% NPH + 30% regular human | 30 min | 2-4 hr and 4-12 hr | 12 to 18 hr |
| Ryzodeg 70/30 | 70% degludec + 30% aspart | 10 to 15 min | One mealtime peak, then flat | >42 hr |
Premix vs Basal-Bolus Therapy
| Feature | Premix (Novolog Mix 70/30) | Basal-Bolus |
|---|---|---|
| Daily injections | 2 (or 3) | 4 to 5 |
| Carb counting required | No | Yes |
| Meal timing flexibility | Limited | High |
| Tight glucose control | Moderate | Highest |
| Hypoglycemia rate | Higher | Lower (with careful titration) |
| Complexity | Low | High |
| Best for | Type 2 diabetes with consistent routines | Type 1 diabetes; type 2 needing tight control |
Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia — most common, especially mid-afternoon (between meals) and overnight
- Weight gain — common with insulin therapy
- Injection site reactions — redness, itching, small lumps
- Lipodystrophy (lipohypertrophy or lipoatrophy) from repeated injections in the same spot
- Allergic reactions — local or rare anaphylaxis; protamine-specific reactions possible
- Hypokalemia (low potassium) — uncommon
- Peripheral edema, especially with thiazolidinediones
Storage and Handling
- Unopened vials and pens: refrigerate at 36 to 46 °F (2 to 8 °C)
- In use: room temperature up to 86 °F (30 °C) for up to 14 days (FlexPen) or 28 days (vial), then discard
- Do not freeze; do not expose to direct heat or sunlight
- Suspension must be uniformly cloudy after rolling — discard if clumped, frosted, or has visible particles
- Do not share vials or pens between people
Practical Tips
- Roll the pen between your palms 10 to 20 times before each use — do not shake (shaking creates foam and uneven distribution)
- Eat within 15 minutes of injecting — skipping the meal risks hypoglycemia from the rapid component
- Have a consistent meal carbohydrate amount day to day — premix insulin works best with predictable eating
- Use the same total daily dose split (e.g., 60/40 breakfast/dinner) consistently to maintain stable patterns
- Monitor mid-afternoon and bedtime glucose to catch hypoglycemia from the intermediate peak
Cost and Access
- Novolog Mix 70/30 vial: about $200 to $400 per vial without insurance
- Novolog Mix 70/30 FlexPen: about $400 to $600 for a pack of five
- Novo Nordisk patient assistance and copay savings programs available
- Medicare Part D covers Novolog Mix 70/30 at the federal $35 monthly cap
- Commercial insurance coverage varies; some plans prefer Humalog Mix or Humulin 70/30
Related Reading
For broader context, see our treatment overview, the comparison page on Ryzodeg (degludec + aspart), and our guide to insulin types.
The Bottom Line
Novolog Mix 70/30 is a premix insulin combining 70 percent protaminated aspart (intermediate-acting) and 30 percent aspart (rapid-acting) in a single suspension, dosed twice daily in adults with type 2 diabetes. It has onset in 10 to 20 minutes, a dual-peak profile, and duration of 12 to 24 hours. The cloudy suspension must be resuspended before each injection. Premix insulins simplify therapy at the cost of glycemic flexibility, typically producing higher hypoglycemia rates and slightly higher A1C than basal-bolus regimens. Side effects include hypoglycemia, weight gain, and injection site reactions. Novolog Mix 70/30 may help when fewer injections and a predictable schedule matter most — talk to your prescriber to individualize whether premix is the right fit for your situation.
