Understanding Insulin: Types and Timing Explained

Insulin plays a vital role in managing your blood sugar levels, especially for those living with type 2 diabetes. Your healthcare provider may recommend insulin therapy when lifestyle changes and oral medications aren't sufficient. In this article, we will explore the various types of insulin, their effects, and how to effectively incorporate them into your diabetes management plan.

Insulin can be categorized based on how quickly it begins to work and how long its effects last. The four primary types of insulin include:

• Rapid-acting
• Regular or short-acting
• Intermediate-acting
• Long-acting

Additionally, there are variations such as ultra-long-acting, premixed, and inhaled rapid-acting insulin. It is important to note that insulin cannot be taken orally, as it would be destroyed by the digestive system before entering the bloodstream.

Your healthcare provider might prescribe a single type of insulin or a combination, often referred to as "combination therapy," which combines insulin with non-insulin diabetes medications. Below is a chart summarizing the characteristics of different insulin types.

Insulin can be administered through various methods, including:

• Syringes
• Insulin pens
• Insulin pumps
• Inhalers

While there are various types of insulin, numerous brands offer these medications in different forms. Below is an overview of popular insulin products:

Rapid-Acting Insulin

• Insulin aspart (NovoLog)
• Insulin glulisine (Apidra)
• Insulin lispro (Humalog)

Regular or Short-Acting Insulin

• Humulin R
• Humulin R U-500
• Novolin R
• ReliOn/Humulin R

Intermediate-Acting Insulin

• Humulin N
• Novolin N
• ReliOn/Novolin N

Long-Acting Insulin

• Insulin detemir (Levemir)
• Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
• Insulin glargine (Lantus)

Premixed Insulin

These consist of a combination of regular and intermediate-acting insulin and include:

• Humulin 70/30
• Humalog Mix 75/25

If insulin therapy is necessary, selecting the most suitable option can be complex. Your healthcare provider will evaluate several factors, including:

• Your average blood glucose levels
• The duration of your diabetes
• Current medications you are taking
• Your lifestyle habits
• Your health insurance coverage

As your diabetes management needs evolve, your insulin requirements may change as well. Regular consultations with your healthcare provider can help reassess your treatment plan. If you have questions regarding the choice of insulin, feel free to discuss them with your provider; they can offer insights on the benefits and drawbacks of various options.