Insulin for Diabetes Treatment

Forms of insulin treated for diabetes grouped by how fast they start to work and how long their effects last.

They include

Rapid-acting Insulin : Rapid-acting insulin covers insulin needs for meals eaten at the same time as the injection. This type of insulin is often used with longer-acting insulin.

Short-acting Insulin : Short-acting insulin covers insulin needs for meals eaten within 30-60 minutes.

Intermediate-acting Insulin : Intermediate-acting insulin covers insulin needs for about half the day or overnight. This type of insulin is often combined with a rapid- or short-acting type.

Long-acting Insulin : Long-acting insulin covers insulin needs for about one full day. This type is often combined, when needed, with rapid- or short-acting insulin.

Pre-mixed Insulin : These products are generally taken two or three times a day before mealtime.

Prescribing Insulin will depend on

• How Patient respond to insulin. (How long it takes the body to absorb it and how long it remains active varies from person to person.)
• Lifestyle ( Type of food patient eat, How much alcohol patient drink, How much exercise patient get)
• Patient's willingness of giving multiple injections per day
• Age
• Goal of managing blood sugar