Over 20 kinds of insulin are available in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. Insulin facilitates the body's ability to metabolize blood sugar. Beta cells in the pancreas regulate the levels of insulin. The beta cells in type 1 diabetics are destroyed, thus preventing insulin production. Type 2 diabetics are unable to utilize the insulin produced by the body and require insulin to process blood sugar.
Long-acting Insulins
Insulin glargine and insulin detemir are long-acting insulins, the Mayo Clinic notes. These insulins typically take between one to 10 hours to take effect. Ultralente is another kind of long-acting insulin. Ultralente takes between six to 10 hours to take effect, notes the American Diabetes Association. The effects of long-acting insulins can last 20 to 24 hours. Moreover long-acting insulins do not have peak efficacy periods. Long-acting insulins lower blood sugar levels in a generally even manner within 24 hours. Long-acting insulins are typically injected in the thighs, according to Life Clinic, the website of the health management company Lifeclinic International.
Median-acting Insulins
Insulin NPH human and Insulin lente are median-acting insulins. They take effect after one to three hours, according to the Life Clinic. Median-acting insulins typically reach maximum efficacy in four to 12 hours, according to the Mayo Clinic. The effects of median-acting insulins can last between 12 and18 hours. Median-acting insulins are typically injected in the upper part of the arm for maximum efficiency.
Brief-acting Insulins
Regular Insulin such as Humulin R and Novolin R are brief acting insulins. These take 30 to 60 minutes to take effect, according to the Mayo Clinic. The effects of regular insulin peak between two to three hours of injection, notes the American Diabetes Association. This type of insulin remains effective for about three to six hours. Regular insulin is typically best injected in the abdominal area, according to the Life Clinic.
Quick-acting Insulins
Insulin lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glulisine are quick-acting insulins. They take effect about five minutes after injection, but can sometimes take 15 minutes to become effective, according to the Life Clinic. Quick-acting insulins peak between 30 minutes and three hours. They remain effective for as long as five hours after injection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Many diabetics prefer this kind of insulin because it is easier to coordinate its use with meals. Quick-acting insulins are typically injected in the abdomen or stomach area, according to the Life Clinic.
