Types of insulin chart handout

Download this handy chart to quickly compare different insulin types: their onset, peak, and duration of action. This will help you understand how each type works within your body and how to best manage your diabetes.

The chart details rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulins. For each type, you’ll find concise information on administration methods (e.g., injection, pen), typical dosage ranges, and potential side effects. Remember to consult your doctor or diabetes educator for personalized advice.

Key Differences Highlighted: The chart clearly distinguishes between the various insulins, focusing on their action profiles. This visual comparison makes understanding the differences between, for example, Humalog and Lantus, significantly easier. Use this as a reference tool to aid in decision-making regarding your insulin regimen. Proper insulin management is key to successful diabetes control.

Beyond the Basics: While the chart provides a core understanding, remember to actively participate in your diabetes management plan. Your healthcare provider can provide more detailed information and adjust your insulin regimen based on your individual needs and blood glucose monitoring results.

Types of Insulin: A Chart Handout

This chart helps you understand the different types of insulin.

Insulin Type	Onset (hours)	Peak (hours)	Duration (hours)	Description
Rapid-acting	15-30 minutes	30 minutes – 3 hours	3-5 hours	Taken just before meals to control blood sugar during and after eating. Examples: lispro (Humalog), aspart (NovoLog), glulisine (Apidra).
Short-acting	30-60 minutes	2-5 hours	5-8 hours	Usually injected 30-60 minutes before meals. Example: regular human insulin (Humulin R, Novolin R).
Intermediate-acting	1-3 hours	4-12 hours	12-18 hours	Provides longer-lasting blood sugar control. Example: NPH insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N).
Long-acting	1-2 hours	No significant peak	20-24 hours	Provides a basal level of insulin throughout the day. Examples: glargine (Lantus, Toujeo), detemir (Levemir), degludec (Tresiba).
Ultra-long-acting	Variable	No significant peak	>24 hours	Provides a very long duration of insulin action. Examples: degludec (Tresiba). Injections may be less frequent than with other long-acting insulins.

Remember to always consult your doctor or diabetes educator for personalized insulin regimen advice. Dosage and timing depend on individual needs and should be carefully monitored.

This handout provides general information; specific details can vary by product.

Always check your insulin labels for accurate information.

Understanding Rapid-Acting Insulin

Take rapid-acting insulin 15 minutes before a meal. This timing allows it to start working just as you begin to eat, preventing high blood sugar spikes.

Several brands exist, including Humalog (lispro), NovoLog (aspart), and Apidra (glulisine). Each works similarly, but onset times and peak effects can vary slightly. Check your prescription and the product information for precise details.

Dosage and Adjustments

Your doctor determines your correct dose based on your individual needs. Regular blood sugar monitoring is key. Changes in diet, exercise, or illness may necessitate dosage adjustments. Consult your doctor or diabetes educator if you experience frequent high or low blood sugar levels.

Important Considerations

Rapid-acting insulin is fast-acting, requiring careful timing around meals. Missed doses can lead to elevated blood sugar. Always store insulin properly to maintain its effectiveness. Refrigerate unopened vials and use within the expiration date. Dispose of used needles and syringes safely.

Observe for potential side effects, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions (redness, swelling), or weight gain. Report any concerns to your healthcare provider. Regular check-ups are crucial for managing your diabetes effectively.

Knowing Your Short-Acting Insulin

Always check your blood sugar before injecting short-acting insulin. This helps you determine the correct dose. Aim for accuracy – a small difference can impact your blood sugar levels significantly.

Timing is Key

Short-acting insulin typically starts working within 15 minutes, peaks in 1-2 hours, and lasts for 3-6 hours. Inject it 15-30 minutes before a meal.

Dosage Adjustments

Your doctor will prescribe your starting dose. Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial to adjust your dose based on your response to food. Don’t adjust your dose yourself without consulting your doctor.

Storage

Keep unopened vials in the refrigerator. Once opened, store at room temperature for up to 28 days. Discard after the expiration date.

Common Short-Acting Insulin Types

Insulin Type	Onset (minutes)	Peak (hours)	Duration (hours)
Regular Human Insulin	30	2-3	5-8
Rapid-Acting Insulin Analogs (Lispro, Aspart, Glulisine)	15	1-2	3-5

Potential Side Effects

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a common side effect. Learn the symptoms – shakiness, sweating, confusion – and have a quick-acting sugar source readily available.

Important Note:

This information is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance on managing your diabetes.

Intermediate-Acting Insulin Explained

Intermediate-acting insulin starts working within 1-2 hours and lasts for 12-18 hours. This makes it a good option for managing blood sugar throughout the day and overnight.

The most common type is NPH insulin. It’s cloudy in appearance due to its formulation. You’ll need to gently roll the vial before each injection to mix it properly.

• Dosage: Your doctor will determine your specific dose based on your individual needs and blood sugar levels. This is personalized and changes over time.
• Injection Sites: Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy (fat buildup).
• Storage: Keep unopened vials refrigerated. Once opened, store at room temperature and discard after 28 days.
• Monitoring: Regular blood sugar monitoring is critical to adjust dosage as needed.

Unlike rapid-acting insulins, intermediate-acting insulin doesn’t need to be timed directly with meals. However, consistent timing is important for blood sugar control. Consult your doctor or diabetes educator for personalized advice on timing your injections.

1. Consider injecting once or twice daily, depending on your treatment plan.
2. Be mindful of potential for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially during the peak effect of the insulin.
3. Always carry a fast-acting carbohydrate, like glucose tablets, to treat hypoglycemia if it occurs.

Remember, proper injection technique is vital. Ask your healthcare provider or a diabetes educator to show you the correct method if you are unsure.

Long-Acting Insulin: A Deep Dive

Choose a long-acting insulin based on your individual needs and doctor’s recommendations. Glargine (Lantus, Toujeo) and degludec (Tresiba) are common choices, offering 24-hour coverage. Glargine provides a relatively flat glucose profile, while degludec offers even longer duration and potentially less variability.

Understanding Onset and Duration

Glargine’s onset is typically 1-2 hours, with a duration of up to 24 hours. Degludec’s onset is slightly slower, but its duration is longer, potentially exceeding 42 hours. This extended duration might mean fewer injections for some individuals. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and injection timing.

Important Considerations:

Monitor your blood glucose regularly. Pay close attention to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) risk, particularly during the first few weeks of starting a long-acting insulin. Adjust your dose as advised by your doctor based on your glucose monitoring results. Proper injection technique is paramount; incorrect administration can affect the insulin’s absorption and efficacy. Discuss potential side effects and any adjustments to your medication plan with your healthcare provider.

Beyond the Basics:

Factors such as your age, overall health, and other medications can affect your insulin needs. Some individuals may experience weight gain as a side effect; discuss weight management strategies with your doctor or a registered dietitian. Be aware of potential interactions with other drugs. Regular checkups are critical for optimal glucose control and managing any potential complications. Always keep your insulin refrigerated unless specified otherwise by the manufacturer.

Ultra-Long-Acting Insulin: What You Need to Know

Choose a brand that fits your lifestyle and talk to your doctor about the best option for you. Different ultra-long-acting insulins have slightly different onset and duration times.

Understanding Onset and Duration

Ultra-long-acting insulins, like degludec and glargine U300, provide a consistent level of insulin for up to 42 hours. This means you typically only need one injection daily. However, individual responses vary. Your doctor will help you determine the optimal dose and injection time based on your blood glucose levels and overall health.

Injection Technique Matters

• Always inject into subcutaneous fat, avoiding muscle tissue. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy (fat build-up).
• Follow your doctor’s and the medication’s instructions precisely for proper administration.
• Use the correct needle length and gauge; your doctor will guide you here.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

Regular blood glucose monitoring is critical, even with long-acting insulin. Your doctor will help you establish a monitoring schedule to ensure your blood sugar levels stay within your target range. Consistent monitoring helps fine-tune your insulin dose and manage potential side effects.

Potential Side Effects

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Symptoms include sweating, shakiness, and confusion. Learn how to recognize and treat low blood sugar.
2. Weight gain: Some individuals experience weight gain with insulin therapy. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine to mitigate this risk.
3. Injection site reactions: Minor redness or swelling at the injection site is possible. This typically resolves within a few days. Report any persistent or worsening reactions to your doctor.

Important Considerations

Dosage Adjustment

Your insulin dose might need adjusting based on changes in your diet, activity levels, or overall health. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your insulin regimen.

Remember: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Mixing Insulin Types: A Practical Guide

Always verify your doctor’s instructions before mixing any insulin types. Mixing insulin is sometimes necessary to optimize blood sugar control. However, it requires careful technique and understanding.

Insulin Mixing: Dos and Don’ts

• Compatible Insulins: Only mix rapid-acting (e.g., NovoLog, Humalog) and intermediate-acting (e.g., NPH) insulins. Do not mix long-acting insulins (e.g., Lantus, Levemir) with any other type.
• Order of Mixing: Draw up the clear (rapid-acting) insulin first, then the cloudy (intermediate-acting) insulin. This prevents contamination.
• Syringe Selection: Use a syringe designed for insulin mixing. Ensure the syringe has the correct capacity to hold both insulin types.
• Air Injection: Before drawing up any insulin, inject air into each vial equal to the amount of insulin you will withdraw. This creates pressure to make drawing up the insulin easier.
• Gentle Mixing: After drawing insulin, gently roll the syringe between your palms to mix. Do not shake vigorously, as this can create bubbles and alter the insulin’s effectiveness.
• Visual Inspection: Always inspect the mixed insulin in the syringe for air bubbles. If bubbles are present, gently tap the syringe to dislodge them before injecting.
• Discarding Insulin: If you accidentally shake the insulin vigorously and notice frothing, discard the mixture and prepare a fresh dose.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Cloudy Appearance after Mixing: If the mixed insulin appears unusually cloudy or clumped, discard it. The insulin may have been damaged by improper mixing or storage.
2. Difficulty Drawing Insulin: Ensure you have properly injected air into both vials before drawing up the insulin. Also, make sure the needle is fully inserted into the vial.
3. Inconsistent Blood Sugar Control: If you are experiencing inconsistent blood sugars despite mixing correctly, consult your doctor. They may need to adjust your insulin dosages or type.

Remember: Proper insulin mixing technique is crucial for achieving consistent blood sugar levels. Always consult your doctor or diabetes educator for personalized guidance on mixing insulins.

Insulin Administration Techniques

Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling insulin. Inspect the insulin vial or pen for any cloudiness, discoloration, or particles; discard if present. Roll insulin vials gently between your palms to mix; avoid shaking, which can damage the insulin. For insulin pens, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for priming the pen.

Injection Sites

Rotate injection sites to prevent lipohypertrophy (fat buildup) and improve insulin absorption. Common sites include the abdomen (at least two inches from the navel), thighs, upper arms, and buttocks. Pinch the skin to create a subcutaneous injection site; inject slowly. After injection, do not massage the area, as this can affect absorption rates. Use a new needle for each injection.

Types of Insulin Delivery

Syringes offer precise dosing, particularly useful for mixing insulin types. Insulin pens are convenient and pre-filled for single-dose administration. Insulin pumps deliver insulin continuously via a catheter inserted under the skin, providing more precise glucose control. Consult your doctor or diabetes educator to determine the best method for your needs and always follow prescribed procedures.

Needle Disposal

Use a sharps container for safe disposal of needles and syringes. Never recap needles. Follow local regulations for proper disposal of used sharps containers.

Managing Insulin Storage and Disposal

Store unopened insulin vials and pens in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Avoid freezing. Once opened, keep insulin at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C) for up to 28 days, protecting it from direct sunlight and heat. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for precise storage guidelines, as these can vary by product.

Proper Insulin Disposal

Dispose of used insulin needles and syringes safely to prevent accidental needle sticks. Never recap needles. Use a puncture-resistant container, like a sharps container, and follow local regulations for disposal. Your pharmacist or doctor can help find a safe disposal program.

Insulin Expiration Dates

Pay close attention to expiration dates. Using expired insulin may be ineffective and potentially harmful. Discard insulin once the expiration date has passed, even if it appears unchanged.

Insulin Type	Unopened Storage	Opened Storage (Room Temperature)
Refrigerated Insulin	Refrigerator (36-46°F)	Up to 28 days (Below 86°F)
Pre-filled Pens	Refrigerator (36-46°F)	Check Manufacturer’s Instructions

Signs of Spoiled Insulin

Inspect your insulin regularly. Discard insulin showing any signs of discoloration, cloudiness, clumping, or unusual precipitation. Report any concerns about insulin quality to your healthcare provider immediately.