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Types of Insulin

There are many different types of insulin for different body needs, schedules and situations. An insulin may be taken alone or in combination with other insulin or oral medicines, as part of your overall diabetes treatment plan, including diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications.

The major types of insulin are:

Basal insulin: This is a term used to describe the slow, steady release of insulin needed to supply energy to cells when no food is being digested.

  • Intermediate-acting insulin: begins to work 2 to 4 hours after injection, peaks 4 to 12 hours later, and works for 12 to 18 hours.
  • Long-acting insulin: begins to work anywhere from 1 to 10 hours after injections and can work for up to 24 hours.

Mealtime insulin

  • Rapid-acting insulin: begins to work about 15 minutes after injections, peaks in about half an hour, and works for 2 to 4 hours.
  • Regular or Short-acting insulin: begins to work in about 30 minutes, peaks for 2 to 3 hours after injection, and works for between 3 and 6 hours.

Sometimes rapid and intermediate insulin are provided together in predetermined amounts called Pre-mix insulin.

"There are so many types of insulin and so many things you can do now to help you care for your diabetes. If your blood sugars are not under control, ask your physician about insulin. If your physician recommends adding insulin to your diabetes treatment plan, why wouldn't you want to try it? Adding insulin may help give you better control."

Read more about JoAnn's experience with insulin>>







Important Safety Information for Insulin

Possible side effects may include blood sugar levels that are too low, injection site reactions, and allergic reactions, including itching and rash. Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking because they could change the way insulin works. Glucose monitoring is recommended for all patients with diabetes.

The health information contained herein is provided for general education purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

If you have type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor, and call 1-866-GO-INSULIN.

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