Insulin onset times

Question 1

Rapid-acting insulins

Answer 1

Insulin lispro (Humalog), insulin aspart (Novolog), insulin glulisine (Apidra)

Onset – 15 min Peak – 1-2 hrs Duration – 3-5 hrs

Question 2

Short-acting insulins

Answer 2

Regular insulin (Humulin R)

Onset – 30-60 min Peak – 2.5 hrs Duration – 6-10 hrs

Question 3

Intermediate-acting insulins

Answer 3

Insulin isophane suspension (NPH insulin)

Onset – 1-2 hrs Peak – 4-8 hrs Duration – 10-18 hrs

Question 4

Long-acting insulins

Answer 4

insulin glargine (Lantus), insulin detemir (Levemir)

Slowly absorbed over 24 hours, no peak

Question 5

Fixed-combination insulins

Answer 5

Humulin 70/30, Humulin 50/50, Novolin 70/30, etc..

Mixed with 1 intermediate-acting insulin and 1 rapid or short acting insulin