Many forms of insulin treat diabetes. They are grouped according to how quickly they start to work and how long their effect lasts. Types of insulin include:

Rapid:

This type of insulin starts working after about 15 to 20 minutes and lasts for 1 to 5 hours, depending on the type you use. You take fast-acting insulin before meals, and it is usually combined with a longer-acting form of insulin.

Long acting:

This form provides insulin coverage for the entire day. You will probably use a shorter acting type of insulin with it.

Pre-mixed:

There are several forms of premixed insulin, including Humulin, Novolog, and others. These varieties combine short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins in one bottle or insulin pen, which some people find easier to administer.

When is insulin injected?

Fast-acting insulins: about 15 -30 minutes before a meal
Long-acting insulins: up to 1 hour before meals
Pre-mixed insulins: depending on the product, between 10 minutes or 30 to 45 minutes before meals

The place on the body where you have the injection may be important. Insulin will be absorbed most evenly when you inject it into your abdomen. The next best injection sites are the arms, thighs, and buttocks. Make a habit of injecting your insulin in the same general area of your body, but vary the exact injection site. Some doctors recommend spacing injection sites at least a finger's width apart, or a little more if you're using an insulin pump. This helps reduce scarring under the skin. If hard lumps appear at the injection site, you may have scarring and need to use another injection site.

Your doctor will work with you to prescribe the type of insulin that is best for you and your diabetes. The choice of insulin treatment depends on many things, including:

How you respond to insulin. How long it takes the body to absorb it and how long it stays active varies from person to person.
Lifestyle choices. The type of food you eat, the amount of alcohol you drink, or the amount of exercise you do will affect the way your body uses insulin.
Your desire to have several injections a day
How often do you check your blood sugar
Your age
Your goals for your blood sugar
Your doctor may prescribe more than one type. You may need to take insulin more than once a day, spread out your doses during the day, or add other medicines.

Side effects due to insulin treatment:

The main side effects of insulin treatment include:

1. Low blood sugar
2. Weight gain when you first start using it
3. Lumps or scars where you have had too many injections
4. Rash at the injection site or, rarely, all over your body

There are many forms of insulin, which differ in how long it takes them to start working, reach their maximum effectiveness and stop working. Your doctor can help you determine which insulin or combination of different types of insulin is right for you. There are also different ways to take insulin, so you can choose the option that is convenient and easiest for you to use.

You can find out more about the types of insulins and which one is best for you or your loved one by consulting an endocrinologist. At SanaMedic we have a team of endocrinologists. 

1. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/medication/insulin-basics
2. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 9. Pharmacologic Approaches to Glycemic Treatment: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care 1 January 2024; 47  https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S009
3. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/diabetes-types-insulin