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insulin
Knowing an insulin's type will tell you how fast it starts to work and how
long it works. This is called action or activity. The chart below shows the
time activity of some of the short acting, intermediate acting and long acting
human insulins.
> Onset - shows how long it usually takes for the insulin
to start working.
> Peak - The peak is when the insulin usually has its strongest
effect.
> Duration - The duration of activity is how long insulin
continues to work.
| Description |
Brand names |
Onset (minutes) |
Peak (hours) |
Duration (hours) |
| Ultra short acting |
Humalog, NovoRapid |
0 - 15 |
1 |
3.5 - 4.5 |
| Short acting |
Humulin R, Actrapid |
30 |
2 - 5 |
6 - 8 |
| Intermediate acting |
Humulin NPH, Protaphane |
60 - 90 |
4 - 12 |
16 - 24 |
| Intermediate acting |
Humulin L, Monotard |
60 - 150 |
6 - 15 |
22 - 24 |
| Long acting |
Humulin UL, Ultratard |
120 - 240 |
6 - 24 |
24 - 28 |
| Long acting analog |
Lantus |
30 - 90 |
None |
24 |
| Long acting analog |
Levemir |
0 - 15 |
6 - 8 |
24 |
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