medium-acting and long-acting insulin
Last reviewed 01/2018
- basal insulins
- intermediate-acting insulin
- onset of action of approximately 1–2 hours
- maximal effects between 4 and 12 hours
- usually needs to be injected once or twice a day e.g. isophane insulin (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn [NPH]), such as Human Insulatard® Humulin I®, (also porcine and bovine equivalents)
- isophane insulin - forms insoluble crystals and injected as a suspension when administered via subcutaneous injection
- long-acting
insulin analogues
- can last for a longer period than intermediate acting insulins e.g. glargine Lantus® (has a peakless action profile; injected daily), detemir Levemir® (maximal effects after 6–8 hours; injected daily or twice a day)
- intermediate-acting insulin
Reference:
- MeReC Bulletin 2007;17(4).