Final answer:
The action of insulin varies by type: short-acting insulin begins working within 30 minutes and lasts for several hours, medium-acting insulin starts within 1 to 2 hours and remains active for about a day, while long-acting insulin has a steady effect without a significant peak for over 24 hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Insulin Action in Diabetes Treatment
The onset, peak, and duration of action are critical parameters to understand when using insulin to manage diabetes. Short-acting insulin typically has an onset of action within 30 minutes, peaks roughly 2 to 3 hours after injection, and lasts 3 to 6 hours. Medium-acting insulin, often referred to as NPH insulin, generally starts working within 1 to 2 hours, peaks at about 4 to 12 hours, and has a duration of 18 to 24 hours. Long-acting insulins have an onset of 1 to 2 hours, do not have a pronounced peak, and maintain their effect for about 24 hours or more, depending on the specific type.
These parameters may vary between individuals due to factors such as insulin dosage, site of injection, and individual metabolism. Insulin therapy must be carefully tailored to each individual's needs to effectively manage blood glucose levels and avoid potential side effects, which can include hypoglycemia among others.
Insulin types are differentiated by their onset, peak, and duration of action, with short-acting insulin working quickly for a few hours, medium-acting (NPH) insulin starting within a couple of hours and lasting for about a day, and long-acting insulin providing steady glucose control without a pronounced peak for at least 24 hours.