Taking insulin: Time-action of different insulins
| Insulins |
Starts working |
Peaks |
Stops working |
Rapid-acting
- Humalog® (Lispro)
- NovoLog® (Aspart)
- Apidra® (Glulisine)
|
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|
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Short-acting
|
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Intermediate-acting
|
|
|
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Pre-mix*
|
- 5 to 15 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
|
- 1 to 2 hours/some increase at 4 to 8 hours
- 2 to 3 hours/4 to 8 hours
|
- 10 to 16 hours
- 10 to 16 hours
|
Basal**
|
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|
|
*The long-acting insulin may work the best between 4 and 8 hours.
**Lantus and Levemir cannot be mixed with any other insulin. |
Important information
- Give Humalog, Novolog and Apidra less than 15 minutes before a meal.
- Give Regular 30 minutes before a meal.
- Do not mix Lantus or Levemir with other insulin.
Other injectables
| Insulins |
Starts working |
Peaks |
Stops working |
Exenatide Injection: *Byetta®glargine
Actions:
- regulates the amount of insulin released after eating
- decreased the release of glucose by the liver
- reduces appetite (can increase weight loss)
- slows the rate of food that is absorbed
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|
Premlintide acetate injection: **Symlin®pramlintide
Actions:
- regulates glucose levels after eating
- decreases the release of glucose by the liver
- reduces appetite (can increase weight loss)
- slows the rate of food that is absorbed
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*Used the sulfonylureas, metformin or TZD.
**Used with insulin. |
Pen devices
Most insulins are available in a pre-filled pen you throw away after use. See the product insert for specific use guidelines.