When it comes to managing diabetes, understanding the various types of insulin available is crucial. The main categories of insulin you should know about include short-acting, rapid-acting, intermediate-acting, long-acting, and NPH insulin. Each type plays a specific role in regulating blood sugar levels based on individual health needs.
Having a clear grasp of these insulin types is vital for effective diabetes management. Let’s dive into the five primary types and understand their respective roles.
The 5 Types of Insulin
- Short-acting insulin
Short-acting insulin offers prompt control over blood sugar levels, commonly used with meals to counteract blood sugar spikes. Due to its brief duration, it must be taken with each meal, particularly when consuming foods rich in carbohydrates or fat. Notable examples include Humalog, NovoLog, and Apidra.
- Rapid-acting insulin
Rapid-acting insulin is tailored for times when blood sugar levels increase significantly, typically taken with carb-heavy meals and during physical activities. It differs from short-acting insulin as it isn’t meant for continuous use throughout the day. Common examples include Humulin R, Novolin R, and Apidra.
- Intermediate-acting insulin
Intermediate-acting insulin helps maintain blood sugar between meals, especially beneficial for those with [type 2 diabetes](https://bridgecanhealth.com/type-2-diabetes-symptoms/) who require prolonged blood sugar control. It can be paired with rapid-acting insulin for optimal glucose management during meals. Examples include NPH, [Humulin](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-humulin-r-vial-100u-ml/) N, and [Novolin](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-novolin-ge-nph-vial/) N.
- Long-acting insulin
Long-acting insulin is generally administered once a day to stabilize blood sugar levels over the course of the day. It helps prevent significant blood sugar fluctuations. It’s important to inject this insulin at the same time daily. Examples are [Lantus](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-lantus-solostar-100u-ml-3ml/), [Apidra](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-apidra-vial-100u-ml/), and [Levemir](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-levemir-penfill-100u-ml-3ml/).
- NPH Insulin
Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin combines both short- and intermediate-acting properties and is scheduled regularly. It is ideal for people transitioning from short- or intermediate-acting insulin to long-acting insulin, or those starting diabetes management. Examples include Humulin NPH and Novolin NPH.
Types of Mixed Insulin
Mixed insulin consists of pre-mixed solutions combining rapid- or short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins. Here are some options:
- Rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulin
- [NovoMix 30](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-novomix-30-penfill-3ml/): 30% rapid, 70% intermediate Protaphane
- [Humalog Mix 25](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-humalog-mix-25-kwikpen-3ml/): 25% rapid, 75% intermediate Humulin NPH
- [Humalog Mix 50](https://bridgecanhealth.com/shop/insulin-humalog-mix-50-cartridge-3ml/): 50% rapid, 50% intermediate Humulin NPH
- Rapid-acting and long-acting insulin
- Ryzodeg 70:30: 70% long-acting Degludec, 30% rapid Aspart
- Short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin
- Mixtard 30/70: 30% short, 70% intermediate Protaphane
- Mixtard 50/50: 50% short, 50% intermediate Protaphane
- Humulin 30/70: 30% short, 70% intermediate Humulin NPH