Insulin classification

Type of

Insulin

Duration

of action

Example

Identification

Inhaled

insulin

2-3 hrs

• Afrezza

-

Rapid

acting

3-4 hrs

• Lispro

• Aspart

• Glulisine

Clear

Short

acting

6-8 hrs)

Regular / Soluble insulin

(Mnemonic- SS)

Clear

Intermediate

acting

10-16 hrs

• Isophane insulin / NPH

• Lente (Insulin Zn
suspension)

Cloudy

Long

acting

12-24 hrs

• Glargine

• Detemir

Clear

Ultra long

acting

24-42 hrs

• Degludec

Clear