Insulin is vital in keeping blood sugar levels stable, but how much do we really know about this hormone? Whether you're newly diagnosed or helping a loved one manage their diabetes, it's important to understand that insulin isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several types of insulin, each with different onset times, peak effects, and durations. Additionally, insulin can be delivered in various ways, from traditional syringes to pumps and even inhalers. Understanding how insulin works, its delivery, and your options can empower you in your diabetes care. Here, we'll go over the different types of insulin and their characteristics.
What Is Insulin and How Does It Work?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, specifically by a group of cells known as the beta cells within the islets of Langerhans. Its primary role is to regulate blood sugar levels and help your body use glucose for energy.
When you eat, your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, a sugar that enters the bloodstream. In response to rising blood sugar levels, the pancreas releases insulin. This acts as a "key," allowing glucose to enter cells and be used for energy or stored for later use.
If the body doesn't produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to it, like in people with type 2 diabetes, glucose can't enter the cells effectively. Instead, it accumulates within the bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Over time, chronic high glucose levels can lead to serious complications, including organ and nerve damage. Although some people with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin, many can manage their blood sugar based on other diabetes medications and lifestyle changes.
For people with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune condition, the body stops producing insulin altogether. This is because type 1 diabetes triggers an immune system attack on the beta cells, ultimately leading to a deficiency in insulin production. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin to survive.
Insulin Delivery Methods
There are several ways that someone with diabetes can take insulin. The delivery method may vary based on the type of insulin and the situation. The most common insulin delivery methods include:
- Syringes are small tubes attached to a needle that can inject insulin into the body; they're the most common delivery method.
- Insulin pens are similar to syringes but are typically prefilled with insulin. They're more convenient but also more expensive.
- Insulin pumps are small computers worn on the body. They have a container filled with insulin and a hose with a needle on the end that's inserted into the body. Insulin pumps can be combined with continuous glucose monitors to help with ongoing blood sugar control.
- Inhaled insulin (e.g., Afrezza) is used in conjunction with rapid-acting inhaled insulin and is administered similarly to other inhalers: by holding the device near the mouth and inhaling the medicine into the lungs.
Finding the right insulin injection site may also depend on individual preferences. However, injecting it into the abdomen typically allows for the most even absorption. Other options include arms, thighs, and the buttocks. Avoid injecting the exact same spot over and over, as this may contribute to scarring under the skin.
How is Insulin Classified?
Several types of insulin can be used to manage diabetes, each with its own unique characteristics. In this article, the types of insulin are organized based on onset, peak time, and duration.
- Onset: This refers to how quickly the insulin starts working
- Peak Time: This refers to the time when it's considered most effective
- Duration: This is the amount of time the insulin lasts
People with type 1 diabetes may need to take a variety of different insulins depending on activity level, diet, age, and how the insulin interacts with their body. Everyone is different, so your doctor will work with you to determine the right type of insulin for your day-to-day needs.
People with type 2 diabetes or other types of diabetes may also need to take insulin, but it's not always the case. Your doctor and diabetes care team will help determine whether or not you need insulin to help with blood sugar fluctuations.
Rapid-Acting Insulin
- Examples: Insulin lispro (Admelog, Lyumjev, Humalog), insulin aspart (Novolog, Fiasp), insulin glulisine (Apidra)
- Onset: ~15 minutes
- Peak: 1–2 hours
- Duration: 2–4 hours
Rapid-acting insulin is taken shortly before eating and is usually paired with longer-acting types of insulin for comprehensive blood sugar control. However, if meals are delayed or skipped after an injection, there is a higher risk of hypoglycemia, so it's important to be mindful of when you take it.
Regular or Short-Acting Insulin
- Examples: Human Regular (Humulin R, Novolin R, Velosulin R)
- Onset: ~30 minutes
- Peak: 2–3 hours
- Duration: 3–6 hours
Short-acting insulin can also control blood sugar after meals, but it must be taken 30–60 minutes beforehand. While not as fast as rapid-acting insulin, it’s still effective for meal-related glucose spikes. However, you still need to be careful when planning mealtimes. Mismatched insulin and food timing can lead to inconsistent blood glucose levels.
Intermediate-Acting Insulin
- Examples: NPH insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N, ReliOn)
- Onset: 2-4 hours
- Peak: 4–12 hours
- Duration: 12–18 hours
Intermediate-acting insulin is typically paired with short- or rapid-acting insulin to cover insulin needs for about half a day. Some people use it overnight, but it's important to be careful, as some individuals may experience a higher risk of hypoglycemia based on their body's absorption rates.
Long-Acting Insulin
- Examples: Insulin glargine (Lantus, Basaglar), insulin detemir (Levemir), insulin degludec (Tresiba)
- Onset: ~2 hours
- Peak: Minimal to no peak
- Duration: Up to 24 hours
Long-acting insulin provides consistent background insulin for 24-hour blood glucose control. Usually taken once daily, with rapid-acting insulin added at meals as needed. This provides individuals with a more predictable effect, resulting in fewer blood sugar swings and fewer injections, but it can be more expensive.
Ultra-Long-Acting Insulin
- Examples: Insulin glargine U-300 (Toujeo)
- Onset: ~6 hours
- Peak: None or minimal
- Duration: 36 hours or longer
Ultra-long-acting insulin offers extended basal insulin support with the flexibility of dosing at different times of day. This is especially helpful for people with inconsistent routines or a high risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia.
Premixed Insulin Formulations
- Examples: Humalog Mix 75/25, Novolog Mix 70/30, Humulin 70/30
- Components: Combines rapid- or short-acting insulin with intermediate-acting insulin in a fixed ratio.
- Onset: 5 to 60 minutes
- Peak: Varies
- Duration: 10 to 16 hours
Premixed insulin is often helpful for individuals who may have challenges drawing insulin from two bottles and accurately reading the correct dosages and directions (i.e., those with poor eyesight or dexterity). However, since there are fixed ratios, the premixed solutions may not match everyone's needs or changing meal patterns.
How to Choose the Right Type of Insulin for Diabetes Management
Your doctor or diabetes specialist will work with you to determine which type of insulin is best for you and your diabetes care. Some considerations that will be taken into account are things like:
- How your body responds to insulin
- The time it takes for insulin to start to work
- The amount of time insulin remains active in your body
- Diet and exercise
- Alcohol consumption
- Willingness of injections
- Age
- Blood glucose goals
Insurance coverage may also influence the type of insulin or insulin delivery method used to manage your diabetes. If you have any questions or concerns, it's best to consult with your doctor or diabetes care team.
Finding the Right Supplies for Comprehensive Diabetes Care
Understanding the different types of insulin and how they work is essential to effective diabetes management. From rapid-acting insulins that help control blood sugar during meals to long-acting insulins that provide steady support throughout the day, each type serves a distinct purpose in maintaining balanced glucose levels.
With so many options available, it's important to work closely with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that supports your long-term health and well-being. And once you know what you need, having access to the right supplies and support makes all the difference.
At Byram Healthcare, we make managing diabetes easier by delivering a full range of insulin supplies and diabetes care products directly to your door. Our team is here to support you every step of the way with expert service, insurance coordination, and ongoing customer care.
Visit Byram Healthcare today to explore our diabetes products and see how we can help you simplify your diabetes management.
