[ Types & Actions ]

No one type is best for everyone. Many different combinations and schedules can be used to provide the insulin needed for a 24-hour period.
People don't respond to individual types of insulin the same way. So, working with your doctor and find the right insulin or combination that works for you. Your insulin choice should dovetail with your eating and exercise patterns, so it's important for you to plan your insulin intake with your doctor or diabetes educator.

Insulin Start Peak End
Bolus insulin
Rapid-acting Lispro 5-15 minutes 30-75 minutes 2-4 hours
Aspart 5-15 minutes 1-2 hours 3-6 hours
Short-acting Regular 30-45 minutes 2-3 hours 4-8 hours
Background insulin
Intermediate-acting NPH 2-4 hours 4-8 hours 10-16 hours
Lente 2-4 hours 4-8 hours 10-16 hours
Prolonged intermediate-acting Ultralente 3-5 hours 8-12 hours 18-20 hours
Long-acting Glargine 4-8 hours No peak 24 hours
Premixed insulin
Background/bolus together 75/25 (NPL/Lispro) 5-15 minutes Early peak - late peak: 1-12 hours about 18 hours
70/30 or 50/50 (NPH/ Regular) 30-60 minutes Early peak - late peak: 2-12 hours about 18 hours
70/30 (NPA/ Aspart)