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Insulin Types
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Human Insulin & Insulin Analogues onset1 peak1 duration1
Rapid-Acting2
Insulin lispro ["LP"] HumalogŪ 10-15 min 1-2 hrs 3-5 hrs
Insulin aspart ["A"] NovologŪ 10-15 min 1-2 hrs 3-5 hrs
Short-Acting
Regular ["R"] 0.5-1 hr 2-4 hrs 4-8 hrs
Intermediate-acting
NPH ["N"] 1-3 hrs 4-10 hrs 1-18 hrs
Lente ["L"] 2-4 hrs 4-12 hrs 12-20 hrs
Long-Acting
Ultralente ["U"] 6-8 hrs none 18-30 hrs
Insulin glargine ["G"]3 (LantusŪ) 2-3 hrs none 24+ hrs
Pre-Mixed Insulins4
70/30 (70%N + 30% R) 0.5-1 hr 2-10 hrs 10-18 hrs
50/50 (50%N + 50% R) 0.5-1 hr 2-10 hrs 10-18 hrs
Humalog Mix 75/25 (75%NPL5 + 25% lispro 10-15 min 1-3 hrs 10-16 hrs
NovoLog Mix 70/30 (70% aspart protamine, 30% aspart) 10-20 min 1-4 hrs 10-16 hrs

1Pharmacokinetics of insulins are influenced by dose, infection site, and patient specific factors that are not well defined. Inter-individual and intra-individual differences are frequently encountered. As a result, certain patients may experience variable onsets, peaks, and durations of insulin action.

2Must be given no more then 15 mintues before eating. Can also be given immediately after meals.

3Do not mix with any other type of insulin.

4Pre-mixed insulins provided convenience but do not allow for any flexibilty in adjusting the dose of the short/rapid-acting componet.

5NPL - Neutral Protamine Lispro (pharmacokinetics similar to NPH; available only in mixed formulation with lispro).

Source: Yale Diabetes Center Diabetes Facts + Guidelines 2005
*These guidelines are not intended to replace the clinical judgment of health care providers