Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is caused by a lack of insulin, a hormone that helps the body use sugar from food as energy. Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood and can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, insulin can be taken in a variety of forms to help treat diabetes. Here, we’ll take a look at the different types of insulin available to diabetes patients.
Rapid-Acting Insulin
Rapid-acting insulin is designed to work quickly, usually within 15 minutes of administration. It is meant to be taken before meals to help control blood sugar levels that spike after eating. Rapid-acting insulin is available in both pre-mixed forms and as an injectable. It usually lasts for up to five hours.
Short-Acting Insulin
Short-acting insulin is also known as regular insulin. It is designed to take effect within 30 minutes of administration and usually lasts for up to eight hours. It is usually taken before meals to help control blood sugar levels that spike after eating. Short-acting insulin is available as an injectable.
Intermediate-Acting Insulin
Intermediate-acting insulin, also known as NPH insulin, is designed to take effect within two hours of administration and usually lasts for up to 18 hours. It is meant to be taken before meals to help control blood sugar levels that spike after eating. Intermediate-acting insulin is available as an injectable.
Long-Acting Insulin
Long-acting insulin is designed to take effect within four hours of administration and usually lasts for up to 24 hours. It is meant to be taken once a day and helps keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Long-acting insulin is available as an injectable.
Pre-Mixed Insulin
Pre-mixed insulin is a combination of two types of insulin: rapid-acting insulin and intermediate-acting insulin. It is designed to take effect within one to two hours of administration and usually lasts for up to 24 hours. It is meant to be taken before meals to help control blood sugar levels that spike after eating. Pre-mixed insulin is available as an injectable.
Insulin Pump Therapy
Insulin pump therapy is a type of insulin delivery system that uses a small device attached to the body. The device is programmed to deliver a steady amount of rapid-acting insulin throughout the day. This helps keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Insulin pump therapy is usually only recommended for people with type 1 diabetes.
Inhaled Insulin
Inhaled insulin is a type of rapid-acting insulin that is delivered via inhaler. It is designed to take effect within 15 minutes of administration and usually lasts for up to five hours. It is meant to be taken before meals to help control blood sugar levels that spike after eating. Inhaled insulin is available as an inhaler.
Oral Insulin
Oral insulin is a type of insulin that is taken in pill form. It is designed to take effect within one to two hours of administration and usually lasts for up to 24 hours. It is meant to be taken once a day and helps keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. Oral insulin is available as a pill.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of different types of insulin available for diabetes patients. Each type of insulin works differently and is designed for different uses. It’s important to talk to your doctor to find the right type of insulin for your needs.