Regular insulin

Regular insulin

• A. has a quicker onset of effect and longer duration than NPH
• B. has slower onset of effect & shorter duration than NPH
• C. has quicker onset of effect & shorter duration than NPH
• D. has the longest duration of the insulins available

Answer: (C)

Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin. It starts working about 30 minutes after injection, peaks around 2 to 4 hours, and lasts roughly 5 to 8 hours. NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin, with onset at about 1 to 2 hours, a peak around 6 to 14 hours, and a duration of about 14 to 24 hours. Therefore, regular insulin has a quicker onset and a shorter duration than NPH. This makes it suitable for covering meals, since its action begins relatively soon and ends sooner, reducing the risk of later hypoglycemia. In contrast, the longest-acting insulins are different preparations, not regular insulin.

Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin. It starts working about 30 minutes after injection, peaks around 2 to 4 hours, and lasts roughly 5 to 8 hours. NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin, with onset at about 1 to 2 hours, a peak around 6 to 14 hours, and a duration of about 14 to 24 hours. Therefore, regular insulin has a quicker onset and a shorter duration than NPH. This makes it suitable for covering meals, since its action begins relatively soon and ends sooner, reducing the risk of later hypoglycemia. In contrast, the longest-acting insulins are different preparations, not regular insulin.