Types of Insulin: Rapid and Short Acting Insulin

18 Oct 2023 · 1 min

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The video provides a concise clinical overview of rapid‑acting and short‑acting (regular) insulins. It defines rapid‑acting insulin as having an onset of 10–30 minutes, a peak at 30–90 minutes, and a duration of 3–4 hours. The three primary rapid‑acting formulations—lispro (Humalog), aspart (Novolog), and glulisine—are listed, and the speaker emphasizes that patients must have their meal ready and be hungry before administration because the insulin works quickly. The segment then contrasts short‑acting (regular) insulin, noting a slower onset of 30–60 minutes, a peak between 2–5 hours, and a longer duration of 5–8 hours. Short‑acting insulin is also given at mealtime, providing steadier glucose coverage after the rapid‑acting dose has worn off.

Chapters

First type of insulin we'll talk about is rapid acting insulin. It's just what the name implies. It's rapid, the onset is only 10 to 30 minutes and it peaks between 30 to 90 minutes and it lasts only 3 to 4 hours. These are quick acting and meals should be consumed immediately following administration. The three main types of rapid acting insulins are Lispro or Hemolog, Aspar or Novolog and Glulosine. The key thing to remember with rapid acting insulin is that the patient must have their meal tray in front of them and they must be hungry for it before before you give rapid acting insulin because it acts so fast. Now short acting insulin, regular insulin or Nolin starts out a bit slower and lasts a little bit longer than rapid acting insulin. The onset is 30 minutes to one hour, the peak is two to five hours and it lasts between five to eight hours. This should be given at mealtime as well and will provide a steadier coverage once the rapid acting has worn off.