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Your body uses insulin in different ways.
Sometimes you need insulin to quickly lower your blood sugar. Your body also needs insulin on a regular basis to keep your blood sugar in a target range.
Different types of insulin are available to support your specific needs.
A guide to insulin types
Rapid-acting
Generic name: Lispro
Brand name: Humalog
Onset (length of time before insulin reaches your blood): 15 to 30 minutes
Peak (time period when insulin is most effective): 30 minutes to 2 hours
Duration (how long insulin works): 3 to 5 hours
Short-acting
Generic name: Regular
Brand name: Humilin R
Onset (length of time before insulin reaches your blood): 30 to 60 minutes
Peak (time period when insulin is most effective): 2 to 4 hours
Duration (how long insulin works): 5 to 8 hours
Intermediate acting
Generic name: NPH
Brand name: Humulin N
Onset (length of time before insulin reaches your blood): 1 to 2 hours
Peak (time period when insulin is most effective): 4 to 10 hours
Duration (how long insulin works): 12 to 20 hours
Long-acting
Generic name: Giargine
Brand name: Lantus
Onset (length of time before insulin reaches your blood): 1 to 2 hours
Peak (time period when insulin is most effective): Minimal peak
Duration (how long insulin works): Up to 24 hours
Mixed
Generic name: 70/30
Brand name: Humulin 70/30
Onset (length of time before insulin reaches your blood): 30 to 60 minutes
Peak (time period when insulin is most effective): 2 to 10 hours
Duration (how long insulin works): 10 to 16 hours
- Rapid-acting and short-acting insulins are usually given at mealtimes. They lower blood sugar levels quickly and then wear off.
- Intermediate-acting or long-acting insulins are used to help control blood sugar throughout the day
- Mixed insulins (a combination of insulin types) are commonly used to keep blood sugar levels normal throughout the day.
