What Are the Different Types of Insulin & How Do They Work?

livewell
February 20, 2025
Noah Bennett

Insulin is an important hormone that balances blood sugar levels in the body. It works on carbohydrate metabolism, and therefore, the body must possess enough of it. With diabetes, a person’s body either does not have enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Because of this, insulin therapy is necessary to achieve proper blood glucose levels and avoid complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, vision problems, and cardiovascular issues.

Knowing the different insulin types and their mechanisms can greatly assist in managing diabetes. This blog discusses the different types of insulin, their roles, and how they are used for the treatment of diabetic patients.

Why Insulin Is Important?

Insulin is produced from the pancreas and is essential for the body to utilize carbohydrates for energy or save it for later. It also helps to balance the sugar levels in the blood, ensuring they do not reach too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia).

The pancreas can only secrete a certain amount of insulin. Without it, glucose begins to concentrate in the bloodstream, which gradually leads to chronic health concerns, including nerve deterioration, heart problems, and even kidney trouble.

Types of Insulin Based on Onset, Peak, and Duration

You can categorize forms of insulin based on speed of action, effectiveness, and length of time it is needed for use. The five main types of insulin are:

Rapid-Acting Insulin

Examples: Lispro (Humalog), Aspart (NovoLog), Glukine (Apidra)
Onset: 10 to 30 minutes
Peak: 3 hours
Duration: 3 to 5 hours

Using insulin before or after meals helps to increase its concentration in the bloodstream, preventing an influx of glucose after eating. Moreover, this mimics the physiologic response of insulin when eating. Doctors use it in combination with longer-acting insulins to improve glucose control because of its fast action.

Short-Acting Insulin

Regular Insulin includes Humulin R, Novolin R
With this product, the customer can expect results within 30-60 minutes
Results will peak within 2-5 hours while it will last for up to 8 hours.

The physician prescribes regular insulin for specific cases. Just like short-acting insulin, it should be consumed before a meal. However, timing of intake is critical since it will only be effective for a limited period and will not be effective by the time glucose levels are dipping.

Intermediate Acting Insulin

NPH N (Humulin N, Novolin N) is a type of intermediate-acting insulin
Intermediate-acting insulin takes its time, achieving its peak effect after 40 minutes and lasting up to 18 hours.

Doctors combine intermediate-acting insulin with short-acting or rapid insulin to ensure the body controls blood glucose levels during work hours and while asleep. Thus, this type of insulin is typically administered two times a day. Use of this type should not exceed 2 times a day since its effect lasts up to 18 hours.

Long-Acting Insulin

Examples: Glargine (Lantus, Basaglar), Detemir (Levemir), Degludec (Tresiba)
Onset: 1 to 2 hours
Peak: Minimal or no pronounced peak
Duration: Up to 24 hours or more.

Long-acting insulin releases its effects equally throughout the entire day, allowing the user to consider their blood sugar management at baseline. In most cases, physicians may give it only once daily, but some patients may need two doses per day.

Ultra-Long-Acting Insulin

Examples: Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
Onset: 30 to 90 minutes
Peak: No notable peak
Duration: Over 42 hours

This form of insulin allows for increased compliance for people who do not wish to have multiple injections, as well as people who need the most stable insulin levels during the entire day.

Combination Insulins

Some insulin options mix different varieties to achieve blood sugar control in both immediate and long-acting manners. These premixed insulins usually contain long- or short-acting insulin and intermediate-acting insulin in one bottle.

Humalog Mix 75/25 and Novolog Mix 70/30
Advantages: Decrease the number of insulin injections patients need to take.

How Insulin Works in The Body

Insulin allows cells to uptake glucose from the bloodstream to use as energy or storage. Each individual has a different lifestyle, diet, and body physiology therefore, treatment will vary for everyone.

Methods of Administering Insulin

Types of Insulin delivery methods include:

Syringes

The most conventional technique for administering insulin injections

Oxygen Spray

It can be carried anywhere

Insulin Pens

An easier and more portable way to administer insulin

Inhalable Insulin

This serves as an option for patients who dislike injecting insulin as it acts fast

Wondering How Insulin Works For Blood Sugar Control?

Get the Facts from Medicare Well

Choosing the Right Type of Insulin

Selecting the right regimen for insulin administration is dependent on the following factors:

Type of Diabetes

One for type one diabetes patients usually consists of a combination of fast-acting and long-lasting insulin, while type two people usually take one long-acting insulin on top of two oral agents.

Lifestyle

Meal, physical activity, and sleeping cycles are considered in determining the dose of insulin

Blood Glucose Pattern

Regular glucose testing will help the healthcare professional identify the necessary doses and types of insulin needed.

Age and other Health Conditions

Elderly patients and those having other co-morbidities might require closer insulin dosing regimens.

Tips for Effective Insulin Use

Stick to the Timetable

Having a routine helps keep blood sugar levels constant

Keep Checking Blood Sugar Levels

Check blood sugar levels regularly to determine the effectiveness of the chosen insulin therapy regimen.

Change the Doses Directly

A specific blood sugar level may require specific adjustments in dosages, and the most suitable way is through the help of a healthcare professional.

Protect Insulin from outside Temperatures

Insulin should never be exposed to extremes of heat and cold, so make sure to properly store it.

Store Insulin Properly

Insulin should be stored in a refrigerator and must not be subjected to very high or low temperatures.

Be Ready for Any Crisis

Always keep a bag of fast-acting sugar to treat cases of hypoglycemia

Common Side Effects and Precautions

For many diabetics, insulin is a life-sustaining substance, but it has adverse effects such as:

Hypoglycemia

This refers to the state of having low blood sugar that results in dizziness, confusion, and sweating

Appetite Increase

Insulin treatment can cause increased fat deposition

Soreness at the Injection Site

Itching, redness, and puffiness at the place of injection

To protect against adverse effects, patients need to collaborate with their health provider to find side effects of therapeutic options and to alter the dosage, if required, in the most appropriate manner.

Sum Up

A proper understanding of the different forms of insulin and their mechanisms of action greatly assists in proper diabetes management. Every person who suffers from diabetes has specific requirements and a lifestyle.

Each chosen insulin type must serve a purpose in blood sugar control. Therefore, there is so much that can be done by diabetics themselves in controlling blood glucose levels and avoiding complications by collaborating with their healthcare providers and adhering to a specific insulin treatment plan.

Keep Your Blood Sugar Level Maintained With Medicare Well

Maintain healthy blood sugar levels with Medicare Well, your trusted source for wellness and nutrition insights. We provide expert advice and practical tips to help you manage diabetes and achieve overall well-being. Explore our comprehensive resources designed to support your health journey and empower you to make informed lifestyle choices for a healthier future.