The types ofinsulin include rapid-, regular-, intermediate-, and long acting. You can take a combination of these when you have type 2 diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might prescribe insulin therapy to help manage your blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone that the pancreas produces. It regulates blood sugar levels and allows your body to convert sugar into energy.

People with type 2 diabetes can still make insulin, but the body doesn’t use it effectively. That’s why some people with type 2 diabetes need to take prescription insulin.

There are different types ofinsulin available. The four main types of diabetes are:

  • rapid-acting.
  • Short-acting or regular-acting.
  • It is an intermediate-acting.
  • long acting

There are some subtypes and less common types as well, including ultra-long acting, premixed, and rapid-acting. inhaled.

“It is not possible to takeinsulin in pill form because it would break down in the same way that you digest food. That means the blood wouldn’t clot where you need it.”

Depending on your health history, your doctor might prescribe one type of insulin or multiple types of insulin. Some people also try an approach called “combination therapy.” This involves taking both insulin and non-insulin oral medications.

The different types ofinsulin can affect you. There are different formulas within each category.

Chart on types of insulin with intensity and duration

There are different delivery methods for the drug.

Chart of types of insulin delivery mechanisms

There are many types ofinsulin, but there are more prescription brands that offer the main forms. The brands may be different by the type ofinsulin, the way it is delivered, and other factors. There are different brands and products for diabetes.

Rapid-acting products include:

Short-acting products use regular.

  • R.
  • R. U-500
  • R. U-500 KwikPen
  • Novolin R.
  • Novolin R. Innolet
  • Novolin R. PenFill
  • ReliOn/R.
  • ReliOn/Novolin R..

Intermediate-acting products use the drug isophane.

  • N.
  • N. KwikPen
  • N. Pen
  • Novolin N is a person.
  • Novolin N is a person. Innolet
  • Novolin N is a person. PenFill
  • ReliOn/Novolin N. is a person.

Long-acting products include:

  • insulin detemir (Levemir, Levemir FlexPen, Levemir FlexTouch, Levemir InnoLet, Levemir PenFill)
  • insulin degludec (Tresiba FlexTouch)
  • insulin glargine (Basaglar KwikPen, Lantus, Lantus OptiClik Cartridge, Lantus Solostar Pen, Toujeo Max Solostar, Toujeo SoloStar)

Some manufacturers also sell pre-prepared mixtures of Short-acting or regular-acting. and It is an intermediate-acting. insulin, combined in a single bottle or insulin pen. These premixed products include:

  • The blends of isophane and regular are called Humalin 50/50, Humulin 70/30, and Novolin 70/30.
  • Humalog mix 75/25 and Humalog mix 75/25 have blends of lispro and protamine.

You may wonder which option will work best if you need to take the drug. Your doctor will consider a number of factors when making a recommendation for a type of diabetes medication. Your doctor may consider that.

  • your blood glucose levels
  • How long have you been living with type 2 diabetes?
  • Any drugs you take.
  • Your lifestyle and health.
  • Your insurance coverage.

Your doctor may suggest trying something new if your needs change over time. Over time, your treatment plan can shift.

If you have questions about why your doctor recommends a certain type ofinsulin, talk to them. Your doctor can explain the pros and cons of different options to you.