Types of Insulin
Insulin is a type of hormone. It helps the body use blood sugar (glucose) for fuel. You may need insulin injections to help manage your diabetes. With this condition, your body may not make enough insulin. Or, your cells may have trouble using insulin. There are many types of insulin that can be prescribed for your treatment. Your doctor will work with you to find the types that are best for you. Most insulin is made in a lab. It’s called human insulin because it’s just like the insulin that’s made in the body. Some types of insulin work fast. Other types work slowly and last longer.
1. Rapid-acting Insulin
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Begins working about
5 minutes after taken. -
Strongest peak action is about
60 minutes after taken. -
Continues working for
2-4 hours.
Name of Insulin:
2. Short-acting Insulin
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Begins working about
30 minutes after taken. -
Strongest peak action is about
2-3 hours after taken. -
Continues working for
3-6 hours.
Name of Insulin:
3. Intermediate-acting Insulin
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Begins working about
2-4 hours after taken. -
Strongest action is about
4-12 hours after taken. -
Continues working for
12-18 hours.
Name of Insulin:
4. Long-acting Insulin
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Begins working about
6-10 hours after taken. -
Minimal peak action.
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Continues working for
20-24 hours -
Another type of long-acting insulin works continuously for
24 hours with very little peak action.
Name of Insulin:
5. Premixed Combinations of Intermediate-acting and Short-acting Insulins
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Begins working about hours after taken.
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Strongest action is about hours after taken.
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Continues working for hours.
Name of Insulin:
