Types of Insulin: Understanding Which One Is Right for You
Insulin is a hormone that helps manage blood sugar levels, especially for individuals with type 1 diabetes and many with type 2 diabetes. But did you know there are different types of insulin based on how quickly they work, when they peak, and how long they last?
Choosing the right insulin type depends on your individual health needs, lifestyle, and your doctor’s recommendation. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the different types of insulin and their uses.
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Rapid-Acting Insulin
Examples: Insulin lispro (Humalog), insulin aspart (NovoRapid), insulin glulisine (Apidra)
Onset: Within 10–15 minutes
Peak: 1 hour
Duration: 2–4 hours
Use: Usually taken right before meals to manage the blood sugar spike that happens after eating.
Tip: Don’t delay meals after injecting rapid-acting insulin.
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Short-Acting (Regular) Insulin
Examples: Actrapid, Humulin R
Onset: 30 minutes
Peak: 2–3 hours
Duration: 5–8 hours
Use: Also taken before meals, but with a slightly longer lead time than rapid-acting insulin.
Tip: Eat within 30 minutes of injecting this type of insulin.
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Intermediate-Acting Insulin
Examples: NPH insulin (Humulin N, Insulatard)
Onset: 1–2 hours
Peak: 4–12 hours
Duration: Up to 18 hours
Use: Provides basal (background) insulin needs, often taken twice a day.
Tip: May be mixed with short-acting insulin for better control, but must be shaken gently before use.
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Long-Acting Insulin
Examples: Insulin glargine (Lantus, Basaglar), insulin detemir (Levemir)
Onset: 1–2 hours
Peak: Minimal or no peak
Duration: Up to 24 hours
Use: Offers steady blood sugar control throughout the day or night with once-daily dosing.
Tip: Should be taken at the same time every day for best results.
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Ultra-Long-Acting Insulin
Examples: Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
Onset: 1 hour
Peak: No peak
Duration: Over 42 hours
Use: Ideal for people who need flexible dosing times and consistent control.
Tip: Beneficial for those who have irregular meal times or travel frequently.
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Pre-Mixed Insulin
Examples: Mixtard 30/70, Humalog Mix 25
Combination: Short or rapid-acting + intermediate-acting
Use: Helps simplify insulin therapy by covering both mealtime and background needs.
Tip: Must be taken before meals, and dosing is usually fixed, so mealtime consistency is important.
How Is Insulin Chosen?
Doctors base insulin prescriptions on:
- Blood glucose patterns
- Type of diabetes
- Age and lifestyle
- Risk of low blood sugar
- Meal timings
Final Thoughts
Insulin isn’t “one size fits all.” The right type—or combination—can make a big difference in managing your diabetes effectively and safely. Always consult your healthcare provider or diabetes educator before making any changes to your insulin plan.
