Table 2.
Pharmacokinetic parameters of available insulins
| Insulin preparations | Onset of action | Peak of action (h) | Duration of action (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid-acting | |||
| Regular human insulin | 30–60 min | 2–4 | 6–8 |
| Lispro/aspart/glulisine | 5–15 min | 1–2 | 3–4 |
| Intermediate-acting | |||
| NPH | 1–3 h | 5–7 | 13–16 |
| Lente | 1–3 h | 4–8 | 13–20 |
| Detemir | 3–4 h | 4–6 | 20 |
| Long-acting | |||
| Glargine | 1–2 h | No peak | 24 |
| Ultralente | 2–4 h | 8–14 | <20 |
| Pre-mix | |||
| Insulin lispro 75/25 | 15 min | 0.5–1.2 | 13–16 |
| Insulin aspart 70/30 | 5–15 min | Dual | 10–16 |
Adapted from Garg SK, Ulrich H. 2006. Achieving goal glycosylated hemoglobin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus: practical strategies for success with insulin therapy. Insulin, 1:109–21.