Properties of Insulin Preparationsa
| Time of Action | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Onset, h | Peak, h | Effective Duration, h |
| Short-acting | |||
| Aspart | <0.25 | 0.5-1.5 | 2-4 |
| Glulisine | <0.25 | 0.5-1.5 | 2-4 |
| Lispro | <0.25 | 0.5-1.5 | 2-4 |
| Regular | 0.5-1.0 | 2-3 | 3-6 |
| Long-acting | |||
| Detemir | 1-4 | —b | 12-24c |
| Glargine | 2-4 | —b | 20-24 |
| NPH | 2-4 | 4-10 | 10-16 |
| Insulin combinationsa | |||
| 75/25-75% protamine lispro, 25% lispro | <0.25 | Duale | 10-16 |
| 70/30-70% protamine aspart, 30% aspart | <0.25 | Duale | 15-18 |
| 50/50-50% protamine lispro, 50% lispro | <0.25 | Duale | 10-16 |
| 70/30-70% NPH, 30% regular | 0.5-1 | Duale | 10-16 |
aInsulin preparations available in the United States; others are available in the United Kingdom and Europe.
bGlargine and detemir have minimal peak activity.
cDuration is dose-dependent (shorter at lower doses).
dOther insulin combinations are available
eDual: two peaks—one at 2-3 h and the second one several hours later.
Source: Adapted from FR Kaufman: Medical Management of Type 1 Diabetes, 6th edition. Alexandria, VA: American Diabetes Association, 2012.