Insulin is a hormone in the body that helps control glucose levels in the blood. It helps transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells for energy. Glucose is needed by all cells to perform their functions.
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, 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. The medication may also be given using a special injector pen or pump.
How much insulin you need depends on several factors, such as your:
- Residual insulin production
- Body weight
- Body fat percentage
- Physical activity level
- Diet
- Other medications that you take
- Emotional health, including your level of stress
- Overall health
Insulin Types
Here are different types of insulin that your doctor may prescribe and an approximate onset and duration of action:
| TYPE | ALSO CALLED | DESCRIPTION | ONSET | DURATION | GENERIC NAMES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid-acting insulin | Mealtime insulin |
Usually taken before a meal to target the sugars consumed during mealtime
|
5-30 minutes | 3-5 hours |
Lispro
Aspart Glulisine |
| Short-acting insulin | Mealtime insulin |
Usually taken before a meal to target the sugars consumed during mealtime
|
30-60 minutes | 5-12 hours | Regular insulin (U-100) |
| Intermediate-acting insulin |
Basal insulin
Background insulin |
Keeps blood sugar under control after rapid-acting insulin has stopped working
|
2-4 hours | 10-18 hours | NPH |
| Long-acting insulin |
Basal insulin
Background insulin |
Keeps blood sugar under control after rapid-acting insulin has stopped working
|
1-4 hours | 18-24 hours |
Glargine (U-100)
Detemir |
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 medications like insulin. You may need to try different insulin doses or types until you find the regimen that works best for you.
RESOURCES
American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.ca
Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
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 June 29, 2017.
Insulin management. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116678/Insulin-management . Updated April 21, 2017. Accessed June 29, 2017.
Insulin therapy. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physcians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/diabetes/treatment/insulin-therapy.html. Updated May 2014. Accessed June 29, 2017.
Types of insulin. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/diabetes-medicines/Pages/insert%5FC.aspx. Accessed June 29, 2017.
Types of insulin and how they work. Kaiser Permanente website. Available at: https://www.ghc.org/healthAndWellness/index.jhtml?item=%2fcommon%2fhealthAndWellness%2fconditions%2fdiabetes%2finsulinTypes.html. Updated June 12, 2015. Accessed June 29, 2017.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board - Michael Woods, MD, FAAP
- Review Date: 06/2017
- Update Date: 07/14/2015