Insulins |
Starts working |
Peaks |
Stops working |
Humalog® (lispro) NovoLog® (aspart) Apidra® (glulisine) |
5 to 15 minutes |
1 to 2 hours |
2 to 4 hours |
Regular (R) |
30 to 45 minutes |
3 hours |
4 to 8 hours |
Intermediate-acting:
NPH (N) |
2 to 4 hours |
4 to 8 hours |
10 to 16 hours |
Pre-mix*: Intermediate-acting/rapid acting
NPH and regular insulin |
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**:
Lantus® ( glargine) Levemir® ( detemir) |
2 hours |
No peak |
24 hours |
*The long-acting insulin may work the best between four and eight hours. **Lantus and Levemir cannot be mixed with any other insulin. |
Most insulins are available in a pre-filled pen you throw away after use. See the product insert for specific use guidelines.