NPH Insulin (Novolin N) in place of Lantus?

[Serotoninskeptic]

Ive recently started using Walmart’s ReliOn Novolin R as my introduction to insulin. Mainly for its convenience and affordability. Seems to do the job quite well for shuttling of pre/postWO nutrients. I do IM injections on training days, the onset and duration of action is perfect this way. Pumps are fuller and last longer, weight and lifts are going up quick, Im enjoying it a lot.

I think the next step will be to add a basal long-acting like Lantus to cover my insulin needs for the day. as ill be eating a lot of carbs in this gaining phase. However I was curious if an intermediate-acting insulin (like Novolin N) could serve the same purpose but for a fraction of the cost. I know there is some differences in the pharmacokinetics and N has a strong peak whereas Lantus doesnt. But the duration of action seems relatively similar (12-18hrs vs 24hrs). Maybe dosing 2x a day AM and PM would ensure the whole day is covered and replicate the long-acting basal effect of Lantus?

The general consensus on bodybuilding forums seems to be that Novolin/Humalin are outdated and inferior to Lantus and Log. But Ive heard N and R were being used by all the pros when slin was first introduced to bodybuilding, and they got huge on it. Matarazzo, Dillet, Dorian, etc. This was also the og protocol used by Milos/Ronnie back in the day so maybe theres some sense to it. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[xrayphoton13]

I've never used it but I do recall watching a video on YouTube a kid made about how to use NPH like lantus and his conclusion was you need to use it 3x daily.

EDIt: here you go
View: https://youtu.be/ihEdpZFwq-k?si=TT7q8aUK1equn6Zk

 

[Serotoninskeptic]

Thanks, that video is pretty helpful.

A 3rd dose before bed seems a little overkill though no? The risk/reward doesn't sound worth it, with the possibility of going hypo in the middle of the night. Might make sense for a diabetic but doesnt seem very useful for bodybuilding purposes. 2x a day looks like the seeet spot.

 

[xrayphoton13]

Thanks, that video is pretty helpful.

A 3rd dose before bed seems a little overkill though no? The risk/reward doesn't sound worth it, with the possibility of going hypo in the middle of the night. Might make sense for a diabetic but doesnt seem very useful for bodybuilding purposes. 2x a day looks like the seeet spot.

Don't most people on lantus take it before bed? I know Dave palumbo recommends the larger shot at night (10-15iu) and a smaller 5-10iu shot in the morning

 

[Serotoninskeptic]

Don't most people on lantus take it before bed? I know Dave palumbo recommends the larger shot at night (10-15iu) and a smaller 5-10iu shot in the morning

Ive heard of it being used that way but I think its a topic of debate. Others have said its useless to dose twice and you're just more likely to go hypo at night, disrupt your sleep, or get fat lol. Ive never used it myself though so i'm not really sure