Types of Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is used to control diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. There are different kinds of insulin available, and understanding them can help you make well-informed choices regarding diabetes management.

There are two main types of insulin: human insulin and insulin analogs

Human Insulin:

Human insulin is developed using recombinant DNA technology and is identical to human insulin. The human insulin gene is inserted into bacteria or yeast, which subsequently produces the insulin protein. Human insulin comes in two varieties:

  • Regular insulin (Short-Acting Insulin): This takes effect within 30 minutes to an hour, with a peak action happening within 2-3 hours, and helps manage blood sugar levels between meals. Regular insulin is an example of short-acting insulin.
  • Intermediate-acting Insulin or NPH insulin: It begins functioning within 1-3 hours of injection and reaches maximal action 4-12 hours later. It aids in the long-term maintenance of blood sugar management. NPH insulin is a form of intermediate-acting insulin that is often used.

Insulin analogs:

Modified versions of human insulin that have been created to more closely resemble the body's natural insulin profile are known as insulin analogs. They provide a number of advantages over human insulin, including more predictable absorption, a quicker beginning of action, and a longer duration of activity.

  • Rapid-acting insulin analogs: They start functioning 15 minutes after injection, peak in roughly an hour, and regulate post-meal blood sugar rises. Insulin Lispro, insulin aspart, and insulin glulisine are examples.
  • Short-acting insulin analogs: Short-acting analogues, such as insulin Glulisine and insulin Aspart, have the same onset and duration compared to traditional human insulin but can deliver more predictable absorption and more convenience for individuals who require it.
  • Long-Acting Insulin analogs: Long-acting insulin is released slowly and steadily throughout the day, delivering a constant level of insulin. It has no discernible peak and aids in the regulation of blood sugar levels between meals and overnight. Insulin glargine, insulin detemir and Insulin Degludec are examples.

Other types of insulin include pre-mixed Insulin where two types of insulin are mixed in a predetermined ratio for blood sugar control before and after meals. Ultra-rapid-acting insulins have recently been launched. When compared to rapid-acting insulins, these insulins have a quicker onset and a shorter duration of action. They are intended to aid in the management of blood sugar levels, particularly around meal times.

It is very important to remember that the type and regimen of insulin provided may differ depending on individual needs, treatment goals, and doctor's recommendations.