7 types of Insulin
7 types of Insulin:
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose levels. It allows cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream to use for energy or store for future use. People with diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes and sometimes type 2 diabetes, may require insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels. There are several types of insulin, categorized by how quickly they work, their peak activity, and how long they last. Below is an overview of insulin types and some common brand names:
Types of Insulin
- Rapid-Acting Insulin:
- Begins working within 15 minutes, peaks in 1-2 hours, and lasts 2-4 hours.
- Used to manage blood sugar spikes during meals (mealtime insulin).
- Brand Names:
- Insulin aspart: NovoLog, Fiasp
- Insulin lispro: Humalog, Admelog
- Insulin glulisine: Apidra
- Short-Acting (Regular) Insulin:
- Starts working in 30 minutes, peaks in 2-3 hours, and lasts 3-6 hours.
- Often used before meals.
- Brand Names:
- Humulin R
- Novolin R
- Intermediate-Acting Insulin:
- Begins working in 1-2 hours, peaks in 4-12 hours, and lasts 12-18 hours.
- Used for baseline insulin needs.
- Brand Names:
- NPH insulin: Humulin N, Novolin N
- Long-Acting Insulin:
- Works steadily over 24 hours with no pronounced peak.
- Provides a baseline level of insulin throughout the day.
- Brand Names:
- Insulin glargine: Lantus, Basaglar, Toujeo
- Insulin detemir: Levemir
- Insulin degludec: Tresiba
- Ultra-Long-Acting Insulin:
- Lasts longer than 24 hours, providing a steady insulin level.
- Brand Names:
- Insulin degludec: Tresiba
- Premixed Insulin:
- Combines rapid- or short-acting insulin with intermediate-acting insulin.
- Simplifies dosing for some patients.
- Brand Names:
- Humalog Mix 75/25 (75% intermediate, 25% rapid)
- NovoLog Mix 70/30 (70% intermediate, 30% rapid)
- Humulin 70/30 (70% intermediate, 30% short-acting)
- Inhaled Insulin:
- Rapid-acting insulin delivered via inhalation.
- Brand Name:
- Afrezza
Insulin Delivery Methods
- Injections: Using syringes or insulin pens.
- Insulin Pumps: Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion.
- Inhaled Insulin: Afrezza.
Key Considerations
- Onset: How quickly the insulin starts working.
- Peak: When the insulin is most effective.
- Duration: How long the insulin remains active.
- Hypoglycemia Risk: Rapid- and short-acting insulins have a higher risk of causing low blood sugar.
Generic vs. Brand Names
- Some insulins are available as biosimilars (e.g., Basaglar for Lantus).
- Biosimilars are similar to brand-name insulins but may have slight differences in formulation.
Recent Developments
- Smart Insulin Pens: Devices that track insulin doses and sync with apps.
- Closed-Loop Systems: Insulin pumps that communicate with continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to automate insulin delivery.
Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best insulin type and regimen for your needs.
