Time of Action

Preparation

Onset, h

Peak, h

Effective Duration, h

Short-acting, subcutaneous

   Lispro

<0.25

0.5–1.5

3–4

   Aspart

<0.25

0.5–1.5

3–4

   Glulisine

<0.25

0.5–1.5

3–4

   Regular

0.5–1.0

2–3

4–6

Short-acting, inhaled

   Inhaled regular insulin

<0.25

0.5–1.5

4–6

Long-acting

   NPH

1–4

6–10

10–16

   Detemir

1–4

—^a

12–20

   Glargine

1–4

—^a

24

Insulin Combinations

   75/25–75% protamine lispro, 25% lispro

<0.25

1.5 h^b

Up to 10–16

   70/30–70% protamine aspart, 30% aspart

<0.25

1.5 h^b

Up to 10–16

   50/50–50% protamine lispro, 50% lispro

<0.25

1.5 h^b

Up to 10–16

   70/30–70% NPH, 30% regular insulin

0.5–1

Dual

10–16

   50/50–50% NPH, 50% regular insulin

0.5–1

Dual

10–16