What is Insulin?
Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets encoded in humans by the INS gene. It is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body.
Insulin Prices In South Africa
| Insulin | Average price per insulin unit |
|---|---|
| Humulin N (10 mL vial; 100 iU/mL) | R3.98 |
| Humulin N KwikPen (3 mL; 100 iU/mL) | R7.05 |
| Humulin R KwikPen (3 mL; 500 iU/mL) | R4.34 |
| Humulin R vial (10 mL; 100 iU/mL) | R3.44 |
Is insulin-free in South Africa?
Medication for diabetes is available free to all patients and those who need to be treated at tertiary and provincial hospitals are referred timeously.
How long does insulin last?
Unopened insulin vials can be stored in the fridge until their expiration date, and outside the fridge for 28 days. Once opened, most insulin vials last up to 28 days inside or outside the fridge.