This type of insulin begins acting within 15 minutes
Peak: 0.5-3 hours
Duration: 3-5 hours
Rapid-Acting
Examples of Rapid-Acting Insulin
Humalog, Novolog, Apidra
This type of insulin reaches the bloodstream within 30 minutes
Peak: 2-3 hours
Duration: 3-6 hours
Regular or Short-acting
Examples of Regular or Short-Acting Insulin
Humulin R, Novolin R
This type of insulin reaches the bloodstream in 2-4 hours
Peak: 4-10 hours
Duration: 10-16 hours
Used in combination with rapid or regular insulin
Intermediate-Acting
Examples of Intermediate-Acting Insulin
Humulin N, Novolin N
This type of insulin mimics natural basal insulin secretion and starts working in 1.5 hours
Peak: "peakless"
Duration: Up to 24 hours
Supplemented with boluses of rapid or short acting for meals