What is the duration of rapid-acting insulin?

Rapid-acting insulin is designed to quickly manage blood glucose levels after meals. The typical duration of action for these insulins falls in the range of 3 to 5 hours. This timeframe allows for effective coverage of postprandial (after meal) blood glucose spikes. Rapid-acting insulins, such as lispro, aspart, and glulisine, peak within approximately 1-2 hours and start to lower blood glucose levels quickly after injection.

The understanding of insulin duration is crucial for pediatric patients who require precise management of their diabetes, as it ensures that blood sugar levels can be controlled effectively around meal times. In this context, a duration of 3 to 5 hours allows for flexibility in meal timing and helps prevent hypoglycemia while providing adequate coverage after meals.

Options reflecting shorter or longer durations, such as 1-2 hours or 12-14 hours, do not align with the pharmacokinetics of rapid-acting insulin, as they either underestimate or overestimate how long the insulin can effectively manage blood glucose levels.