A guide to the different types of insulin that treat diabetes

There is no known cure for type 1 diabetes, but the condition can be managed with ongoing treatment. Treatment requires a person to take insulin to replace the insulin that the body is unable to produce on its own.

Different types of insulin

Insulin for diabetes comes in a variety of types, and it’s common for a person to use a combination of different insulins. The major types of insulin are:

• Rapid-acting insulin starts working in 15 minutes after injection, peaks in around an hour and is out of your system in two to four hours.
• Regular or short-acting insulin begins to work within 30 minutes after injection, peaks in two to three hours and lasts from three to six hours.
• Intermediate-acting insulin starts to work two to four hours after injection, peaks anywhere from four to twelve hours later and lasts for 12 to 18 hours.
• Long-acting insulin works over a 24-hour period and does not have a real peak of action, but starts working 60 to 90 minutes after being injected.

There are also some insulin medications that are a premixed combination of long and short-acting insulin. Some types of insulin can also be mixed in a syringe—a healthcare provider can instruct you on how to prepare a mixed dose of insulin.

Insulin requirements can change over time, especially when someone begins insulin therapy at a young age. For example, insulin requirements typically increase during puberty—growth, development, and hormonal changes can all affect a body’s insulin needs.

Different delivery systems

People treating type 1 diabetes with insulin therapy have several options for insulin delivery:

• Syringes. Many people still use this traditional method of taking insulin, where insulin is drawn from a vial and injected.
• Pens. These pre-filled pens are convenient and provide accurate doses. Some pens are disposable and others can be refilled.
• Pumps. Insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously throughout the day and night using a catheter that is placed under the skin. This replaces the need for insulin shots. Pumps are about the size of a small mobile phone.
• Inhaler. There is also a type of short-acting inhaled insulin taken with an inhaler.

Other parts of a treatment plan

People with type 1 diabetes will also need to monitor blood glucose levels with a glucose meter, learn how different foods affect blood glucose levels (and follow an eating plan), and know how to address adverse events like hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia episodes are common among people who treat type 1 diabetes with insulin but need to be avoided—severe episodes can be life-threatening.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is another important aspect of treatment. This includes good nutrition, regular exercise, avoiding habits that can damage your health (such as smoking), and keeping up with healthcare appointments.