Types of Diabetic Insulin Exposed

Since there are two types of diabetes (and cases differ one from the other), there are also various types of Canada drugs in the form of insulin that a doctor could prescribe a patient depending on his condition and needs.  These Canadian drugs include rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, pre-mixed NPH (intermediate-acting) and regular (short-acting), pre-mixed insulin lispro protamine suspension (intermediate-acting) and insulin lispro (rapid-acting), and pre-mixed insulin aspart protamine suspension (intermediate-acting) and insulin aspart (rapid-acting). 

All types of insulin have an onset, a peak, and a duration time.  The onset is how quickly the insulin takes effect after taking a shot.  The peak is the period wherein the insulin is exerting the greatest effort to lower the patient’s blood sugar level.  The duration is how long the insulin is able to keep the patient’s blood sugar level down.

Tabulated below are the types of insulin available in the market for a better illustration and comparison.  Times indicated are merely approximation for guidance and should not be taken as a fixed value for reference.  A patient’s onset, peak and duration times may differ.

Type of Insulin

1. Rapid-acting  

Onset: 15 minutes         

Peak: 30 to 90 minutes  

Duration: 3 to 5 hours                                                          

2. Short-acting  

Onset: 30 to 60 minutes 

Peak: 2 to 4 hours         

Duration: 5 to 8 hours                                   

3. Intermediate-acting   

Onset: 1 to 3 hours       

Peak: 8 hours   

Duration: 12 to 16 hours                                   

4. Long-acting   

Onset: 1 hour   

Peak: Peakless 

Duration: 20 to 26 hours                                   

5. Pre-mixed NPH (intermediate-acting) and regular (short-acting)

Onset: 30 to 60 minutes 

Peak: Varies     

Duration: 10 to 16 hours                                   

6. Pre-mixed insulin lispro protamine suspension (intermediate-acting) and insulin lispro (rapid-acting)         

Onset: 10 to 15 minutes 

Peak: Varies     

Duration: 10 to 16 hours                                   

7. Pre-mixed insulin aspart protamine suspension (intermediate-acting) and insulin aspart (rapid-acting)       

Onset: 5 to 15 minutes  

Peak: Varies     

Duration: 10 to 16 hours

It is important to check with your physician regularly on how your body is reacting with the Canadian prescription drugs that you are taking.  Be observant on how your body reacts, and take note and report anything unusual manifestations that you feel and see.  And, it is recommended that you make an insulin plan that will perfectly suit you.