Intermediate-acting insulins (NPH) start the action in 1 to 4 hours and peak in 4 to 8 hours. Patients take these agents before meals, and food is necessary within 30 minutes after its administration to avoid hypoglycemia. Short-acting (regular insulin) starts the action in 30 to 40 minutes and peaks in 90 to 120 minutes.
They are generally used before meals and always used along with short-acting or long-acting insulins to control sugar levels throughout the day. Rapid-acting insulins (lispro and aspart) start their action in 5 to 15 minutes and peak in 30 minutes. Brain cells: Involved in appetite regulationĭepending on the duration of action, insulin categorizes as short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting.
