Types Of Insulin And Duration Of Action Chart
Introduction
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. People with diabetes either do not produce enough insulin or their bodies cannot use the insulin they produce effectively. There are different types of insulin available that work in different ways and have different durations of action.
Rapid-Acting Insulin
Rapid-acting insulin begins to work within 15 minutes of injection and peaks at about 1 hour. It typically lasts for about 2-4 hours. This type of insulin is often used to cover meals and control blood sugar spikes after eating.
Short-Acting Insulin
Short-acting insulin begins to work within 30 minutes of injection and peaks at about 2-3 hours. It typically lasts for about 3-6 hours. This type of insulin is often used to cover meals and control blood sugar spikes after eating.
Intermediate-Acting Insulin
Intermediate-acting insulin begins to work within 2-4 hours of injection and peaks at about 4-12 hours. It typically lasts for about 12-18 hours. This type of insulin is often used to provide basal, or background, insulin coverage throughout the day.
Long-Acting Insulin
Long-acting insulin begins to work within 1-2 hours of injection and has a more gradual onset and peak. It typically lasts for about 24 hours or longer. This type of insulin is often used to provide basal, or background, insulin coverage throughout the day and night.
Combination Insulin
Combination insulin is a mixture of rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulin. It begins to work within 15 minutes of injection and typically lasts for about 10-16 hours. This type of insulin is often used to provide both basal and mealtime insulin coverage.
Insulin Pump Therapy
Insulin pump therapy is a method of delivering insulin continuously through a small device worn on the body. It provides both basal and mealtime insulin coverage and can be adjusted to deliver different rates of insulin throughout the day and night.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of insulin and dosage is an important part of managing diabetes. It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best insulin regimen for individual needs. Understanding the different types of insulin and their duration of action can help people with diabetes to better manage their blood sugar levels and improve their overall health and well-being.