Diabetes Insulin
There are more than 20 types of insulin products available in four basic forms, each with a different time of onset and duration of action. The decision as to which insulin to choose is based on an individual's lifestyle, blood sugar level and a physician's preference and experience. Obesity affects the work of insulin in the body. If body has extra fat tissue, then it will be more resistant to insulin. Treatment for Type 1 diabetes most likely includes insulin via injections, inhaled insulin or an insulin pump. Your physician will recommend the appropriate insulin treatment and its delivery mechanism, in respect to individual case.
Types of Diabetes insulin
Insulin is classified according to how long it is effective in the body. There are five different types of insulins ranging from short to long acting. Some insulins are clear in appearance, while others are cloudy. Diabetics need varying amounts of both short and long acting insulin as everyone is different and will respond differently to the insulin they take.
It is fast acting so starts working within one to 20 minutes. It is clear in appearance and its peak time is about one hour later and lasts for three to five hours. When you inject rapid onset-fast acting type of insulin, you must eat immediately after you inject.
Short acting insulin
It looks clear and begins to lower blood glucose levels within 30 minutes, so you need to take your injection half an hour before eating. Short acting insulin has peak effect of four hours and works for about six hours.
Intermediate acting insulin
Intermediate acting insulin looks cloudy. They have either protamine
or zinc added to delay their action. This insulin starts to show its effect about 90 minutes after you inject,
peak at 4 to 12 hours and lasts for 16 to 24hours.
Mixed insulin
Mixed insulin is cloudy in appearance. It is a combination of either a
rapid onset-fast acting or a short acting insulin and intermediate acting insulin. Advantage
of it is that, two types of insulin can be given in one injection. When it
shows 30/70 then it means 30% of short acting is mixed with 70%of intermediate acting insulin.
Long acting insulin
There are two kinds of long acting insulin available in market, both with clear appearance.
- Lantus (Glargine) - It has no peak period as it works constantly when released into your bloodstream at a relatively constant rate. (full 24 hours)
- Levemir (Detemir) - It has a relatively flat action, can last up to 24 hours and may be given once or twice during the day.