What is the peak time range for intermediate-acting insulin?

Intermediate-acting insulin typically reaches its peak effect between 4 to 12 hours after injection. This timeline is crucial for managing blood glucose levels, particularly for patients who require insulin coverage throughout the day. Understanding the pharmacokinetics of insulin types is integral to effective diabetes management, as it allows healthcare providers and patients to time meals and snacks appropriately according to the insulin peak to avoid hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

The other times listed do not accurately represent the peak activity window for intermediate-acting insulin. For instance, the shorter durations such as 1-3 hours or 2-5 hours are more associated with rapid-acting insulins, whereas 30-60 minutes is characteristic of short-acting insulins. Recognizing these distinctions is important for tailoring insulin therapy to individual needs.