Source: FDA label
| Molecular formula | C256H387N65O79S6 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 5832 g/mol |
| Registered trials | 635 |
| PubChem CID | 16132418 |
| Drug class | Insulin Analog [EPC] |
| Brand names | NOVOLOG |
Mechanism of Action
12.1 Mechanism of Action The primary activity of insulin, including NOVOLOG is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogs lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.
Managing blood sugar with a fast-acting insulin option is a daily concern for many people with diabetes. Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting human insulin analog developed to help address that need.
Key takeaways
- Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin analog marketed as NOVOLOG.
- It is approved to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus.
- The label does not carry a boxed warning.
- More than 600 registered trials have studied insulin and its analogs, including insulin aspart.
- FAERS reports for this product are led by glucose fluctuations, gastrointestinal symptoms, and fatigue.
What Insulin Aspart Is
Insulin aspart belongs to the pharmacologic class of insulin analogs. It works by regulating glucose metabolism, the same core process insulin normally controls in the body. It lowers blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, particularly in skeletal muscle and fat, while also inhibiting glucose production in the liver. The label also notes that it inhibits the breakdown of fat and protein and supports protein synthesis.
What Insulin Aspart Is Approved For
Insulin aspart, sold under the brand name NOVOLOG, is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. It is classified as a rapid-acting human insulin analog. The label does not carry a boxed warning.
What the Evidence Shows
Insulin and its analogs have been studied across 635 registered clinical trials. One phase 4 study, the Additional Insulin for Fat and Protein in Children With Diabetes Study, examined insulin dosing in pediatric patients but was terminated. A completed trial without a specified phase looked at perioperative insulin strategies, including GIK and GLP-1 approaches, in people with diabetes mellitus.
Reported Side Effects
Reports submitted to FAERS reflect adverse event counts, not confirmed incidence or causation. The most frequently reported terms involve glucose control itself, with blood glucose increased (10,660 reports) and blood glucose decreased (3,409) among the top entries. Gastrointestinal and general symptoms are also common, including nausea (3,903), diarrhoea (2,661), vomiting (2,515), and fatigue (2,750). Dyspnoea (2,633) and reports of the drug being ineffective (3,418) were also frequently logged.
FAQ
What is insulin aspart used for?
Insulin aspart is a rapid-acting insulin analog approved to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. It is marketed under the brand name NOVOLOG. It works alongside diet and overall diabetes management to help regulate blood sugar.
How does insulin aspart work?
Insulin aspart lowers blood glucose by helping muscle and fat tissue take up glucose from the blood while reducing glucose production by the liver. It also inhibits the breakdown of fat and protein and supports protein synthesis. This mirrors the natural role of insulin in regulating metabolism.
Does insulin aspart have a boxed warning?
No, the FDA label for insulin aspart (NOVOLOG) does not carry a boxed warning.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of insulin aspart?
The most frequently reported adverse events include increased or decreased blood glucose, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, fatigue, and dyspnoea. These figures come from FAERS reports, which reflect reported counts rather than confirmed incidence or causation. Reports of the drug being ineffective were also common.
How much clinical research exists on insulin aspart?
Insulin and its analogs, including insulin aspart, have been studied in 635 registered clinical trials. These include studies in pediatric populations and perioperative settings, though some sampled trials were terminated before completion.
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Content is editorial information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before any treatment decision.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed) for NOVOLOG ClinicalTrials.gov FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) PubChem
Updated 2026-08-10