All insulin is not the same. Insulin actually comes in several forms. Each of these forms are designed to work at different rates. These different forms of insulin are used because those with diabetes have very poorly regulated blood glucose levels in a constant state of flux. Using these different forms of insulin that work at different rates is one way in which the blood glucose levels can be made more stable. The following are seven of the common forms of insulin that are commonly administered to a diabetic:
1. Lispro
Lispro is a very rapid acting form of insulin. Within five minutes of administering Lispro blood glucose levels begin to drop. It remains active in lowering blood glucose levels for about 2.5 hours, though it is most effective when it has been in the blood about 1 hour. Because it does not remain active very long, Lispro has less chance of inducing a hypoglycemic reaction several hours later.
2. Normal insulin
Normal insulin starts working in about thirty minutes. It works most effectively after it has been in the body for about three hours, but it can continue working in the bloodstream for nearly seven hours.
3. NPH
This form of insulin has been designed to mimic the insulin produced inside the human body. It lowers blood glucose levels at a more consistent rate. It reaches its peak when it has been in the bloodstream about 2 hours, but remains at peak for up to 12 hours. It continues working for about 24 hours total, though not as vigorously in the last 10 hours.
4. Lente
Lente is another insulin that is designed to work like the insulin that naturally occurs inside the human body. It works over long periods of time, but takes about two hours to reach its peak effectiveness in lowering blood sugar. It will continue at its peak for about half of the day and then function more moderately the second half of the day.
5. Ultralente
Ultralente was designed with the idea of providing a once per day insulin option. It takes nearly six hours after taking Ultralente before it starts lowering blood glucose levels. However, it continues functioning effectively all day long.
6. Glargine
Glargine is a popular insulin that is used mainly with type 1 diabetes. This is a long acting form of insulin that is injected just once per twenty four hours. Great care must be taken not to contaminate this insulin with the other forms of insulin by using the same syringe or storage equipment.
7. Pre-Mixed Insulin
Pre-mixed insulins are popular because they help take patient dosage and administration errors out of the diabetic treatment equation.