Final answer:
Insulin types include short-acting ones like Humulin R and Novolin R, and long-acting ones such as Lantus and Levemir. Short-acting insulin works quickly and has a peak effect, while long-acting insulin provides a steady effect over a full day. Insulin is a protein hormone consisting of two chains, essential for blood glucose regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are various types of insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, with specific names for short and long-acting formulations. Short-acting insulin, also known as regular insulin, typically includes products such as Humulin R and Novolin R. These insulins start to work within 30 minutes of injection, have a peak effect around 2 to 3 hours, and last for about 5 to 8 hours. On the other hand, long-acting insulin formulations, like insulin glargine (Lantus) and insulin detemir (Levemir), are designed to be injected once or twice a day to provide a steady level of insulin over a 24-hour period. These long-acting insulins have no pronounced peak and are meant to maintain baseline insulin levels.
Insulin is a protein hormone vital for the regulation of blood glucose levels. It is composed of two peptide chains, A and B, connected by disulfide bonds. The functionality of insulin depends on its structure, which includes its amino acid sequence and the formation of disulfide bonds that are critical for its biological activity.