Insulin is a vital part of the body's ability to regulate energy and metabolism. It is created in the pancreas and distributed to the body. Insulin's primary function in the body is to allow fat cells, the kidneys and the liver to use glucose or sugar as the main source of energy. Insulin that is not properly produced or functioning properly in the body will leave large amounts of sugar in the blood. Human insulin is a synthetic protein that is needed by individuals whose body is unable to properly manufacture insulin.
Humulin R
Humulin R is known as a short acting human insulin. It takes roughly 30 minutes to an hour before it is absorbed into the system, which means there is less time to wait before food can be eaten. It peaks around two to three hours after injection, providing the most impact within that time. Humulin R typically wears off six to eight hours after injection. According to the MayoClinic.com, Humulin R is considered regular human insulin, which varies from other longer acting, or intermediate insulin. It works much faster than most other insulin types.
Lyspro Humalog
Humalog is a human insulin analog that must be combined with another type of human insulin--primarily NPH insulin. It comes premixed for individuals who have physical ailments that hinder their ability to mix the insulin. This type of insulin is considered fast acting because it works within 15 minutes and peaks at around 30 to 60 minutes. According to Diabetes Teaching Center of the University of California in San Francisco, NPH insulin is the only insulin that can be mixed with rapid acting insulin like Lyspro Humalog.
Insulin Glargine
Insulin glargine is synthetic human insulin that is injected underneath the skin. It is one of few types of insulin that can be used once a day. It is considered long acting insulin that takes longer to activate.However, it releases a steady flow of insulin to the body throughout a 24-hour period. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, insulin glargine does not need to be mixed with any other type of insulin, thus making it one of the most convenient types of human insulin. It is most commonly prescribed under the brand name Lantus.
