Insulin A to Z: A Guide on Different Types of Insulin

Elizabeth Blair, A.N.P., at Joslin Diabetes Center, helps break down the different types of insulin and how they work for people with diabetes.

Types of Insulin for People with Diabetes

Rapid-acting: Usually taken before a meal to cover the blood glucose elevation from eating. This type of insulin is used with longer-acting insulin.
Short-acting: Usually taken about 30 minutes before a meal to cover the blood glucose elevation from eating. This type of insulin is used with longer-acting insulin.
Intermediate-acting: Covers the blood glucose elevations when rapid-acting insulins stop working. This type of insulin is often combined with rapid- or short-acting insulin and is usually taken twice a day.
Long-acting: This type of insulin is often combined, when needed, with rapid- or short-acting insulin. It lowers blood glucose levels when rapid-acting insulins stop working. It is taken once or twice a day.

A Guide on Insulin Types for People with Diabetes

Type	Brand Name	Onset (length of time before insulin reaches bloodstream)	Peak (time period when insulin is most effective)	Duration (how long insulin works for)
Rapid-acting	Humalog Novolog Apidra	10 - 30 minutes	30 minutes - 3 hours	3 - 5 hours
Short-acting	Regular (R)	30 minutes - 1 hour	2 - 5 hours	Up to 12 hours
Intermediate- acting	NPH (N)	1.5 - 4 hours	4 - 12 hours	Up to 24 hours
Long-acting	Lantus Levemir	0.8 - 4 hours	Minimal peak	Up to 24 hours

To make an appointment with a Joslin diabetes nurse educator, please call (617) 732-2400.

Types of Insulin for People with Diabetes