Insulin Types

Each Insulin type works at a different pace and most people have to use more than one kind to mimic their actual bodies system.

Insulin time factors

Before get into the details on insulin types, it is better to know about 3 time factors about insulin they are;

Onset time - once injected time needed for the insulin to start lowering blood glucose.
Peak time - the period at which insulin works to its best (peak or maximum power) to lower the blood glucose.
Duration time - length of time the insulin works to keeps lowering blood glucose.

Each type of insulin works at a different onset, peak and duration time as per specific requirement.

Insulin types

Based on the above said insulin time factors, insulin are classified in to 3 main categorical types, they are

Rapid-acting insulin,
Short-acting insulin,
Intermediate-acting insulin,
Long-acting insulin,
Very long-acting insulin.

Rapid-acting insulin

This is the fastest insulin of all. Once injected, it starts to work within 15 minutes (onset time). It works to its maximum (peaks time) at about an hour after injection. It's usually used up in four or five hours (duration time). This type of insulin is designed to be injected right before meals. By the time the meal is digested and glucose is released into the bloodstream, rapid-acting insulin is working to its peak and makes cells to consume glucose. Rapid-acting insulin is looks clear in appearance.

Short-acting insulin

Otherwise called as "regular" insulin, is also designed to be used around mealtime. It takes longer to work (onset time) than rapid-acting insulin. So take short-acting insulin about 30 to 45 minutes before having meals and it works to its maximum (peak time) at about two or three hours. It can keep working for as long as six hours (duration time). Short-acting insulin is looks clear in appearance.

Intermediate-acting insulin

This insulin is designed is such a way to makes the body absorb the insulin more slowly. It takes longer to start to work, and it stays in the body for a longer time. This type has approximate onset time of 2 to 4 hours, peak time of 4 to 12 hours and duration time of 12 to 18 hours. Intermediate-acting insulin works all day if taken in the morning. This type of insulin looks cloudy and has to be mixed by shaking before injected.

Long-acting insulin

It starts to work in six to 10 hours (onset time) and can stay in the body for 20 hours or more (duration time). It dose not have any peak time at all. Long-acting insulin is usually taken in the morning or before bed, like intermediate-acting insulin. Long-acting insulin is looks clear in appearance.

Very long acting insulin

There is also glargine insulin, which is very long-acting insulin. It starts to lower blood glucose levels about 1 hour after injection, and keeps working for 24 hours.

Next: Insulin analogs

Last modified date 27th November 2009

All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen.

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