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Insulin Types

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PD Medicine and Healthcare MHE 046 Insulin is a hormone in the body that helps control glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. It helps transport glucose from the bloodstream to cells that use the sugar for energy.

People with type 1 diabetes are unable to make insulin. While those with type 2 diabetes can make insulin, the body is resistant to it and unable to use it appropriately. As a result (for both types of diabetes), glucose builds up in the bloodstream and the cells become starved, which can lead to serious health problems.

Insulin Shots

If you have diabetes, you may need to take insulin shots to make up for your body’s inability to make or use naturally occurring insulin. You may need anywhere from 1-4 shots a day. Aside from a needle, the medicine may also be given using a special pen or pump.

How much insulin you need depends on several factors, such as your:

  • Body weight
  • Body fat percentage
  • Physical activity level
  • Diet
  • Medicines
  • Emotional health (including your stress level)
  • Overall health

Insulin Types

There are different types of insulin that your doctor may prescribe:

TYPE ALSO CALLED DESCRIPTION STARTS WORKING IN LASTS FOR GENERIC AND BRAND NAMES
Rapid-acting insulin Mealtime insulin

Usually taken before a meal to target the sugars consumed during mealtimeWorks quickly and does not last long

 About 15 minutes 3-5 hours Lispro (Humalog) Aspart (Novolog) Glulisine (Apidra)
Short-acting insulin Mealtime insulin

Usually taken before a meal to target the sugars consumed during mealtimeWorks quickly and does not last long

 30-60 minutes 4-8 hours Regular insulin (Novolin R)
Intermediate-acting insulin Basal insulinBackground insulin

Keeps blood sugar under control after rapid-acting insulin has stopped workingSlowly absorbed by the body and is long-lasting

1-3 hours 12-16 hours NPH (Novolin N)
Long-acting insulin Basal insulinBackground insulin

Keeps blood sugar under control after rapid-acting insulin has stopped workingSlowly absorbed by the body and is long-lasting

1-2 hours 20-26 hours Glargine (Lantus)Detemir (Levemir)

There is also premixed insulin, which is a combination of two types. The mix usually consists of rapid- or short-acting insulin combined with intermediate-acting insulin.

You and your doctor will create a diabetes management plan that will outline steps for controlling your diabetes, which involves diet, physical activity, and medicines like insulin. You may need to try different insulin doses or types until you find the regimen that works best for you.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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All rights reserved.

RESOURCES

  • American Diabetes Association

    http://www.diabetes.org/

  • National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

    http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

  • Canadian Diabetes Association

    http://www.diabetes.ca/

  • Team Diabetes Canada

    Canadian Diabetes Association

    http://www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/supporting-us/team-diabetes/

References

  • Blair E. Insulin A to Z: a guide on different types of insulin. Joslin Diabetes Center website. Available at: http://www.joslin.org/info/insulin%5Fa%5Fto%5Fz%5Fa%5Fguide%5Fon%5Fdifferent%5Ftypes%5Fof%5Finsulin.html. Accessed August 18, 2011.

  • Diabetes: insulin basics. FamilyDoctor.org website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/diabetes/treatment/354.html. Updated October 2010. Accessed August 18, 2011.

  • Types of insulin and how they work. Group Health website. Available at: http://www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness/?item=/common/healthAndWellness/conditions/diabetes/insulinTypes.html. Updated December 2, 2009. Accessed August 18, 2011.