Types of Insulin

     There are many different brands and types of insulin available to diabetics. The diabetic has two options for insulin: human insulin and human insulin analogs. Human insulin is the base for human insulin analogs but the analog insulin is genetically altered to change the way they act in your body. In Illinois, normal human insulin ranges from $25 - $100 per vial and human insulin analogs range from $180 - $300 per vial (Report to the General Assembly on Insulin Prices 3).

     Based on what was stated above, there are many different types and brands of insulin. There are six main types: rapid-acting, regular (short-acting), intermediate-acting, combinations / pre-mixed, long-acting and ultra long-acting. 

     Rapid-acting insulin has an onset of fewer than 15 minutes and its peak is in 30 to 90 minutes. It works for two to four hours. Two common brands that produce rapid-acting insulin are Novolog, around $105 per vial, and Humalog (Manzella 2).

     Regular insulin has an onset of half of an hour and its peak is in two to three hours. It works in the body for three to six hours. Some brands that make regular insulin are Novolin R, around $93.70 per vial, and Humulin R (Manzella 2).

     Intermediate-acting insulin has an onset of two to four hours and peaks at hours four to 12. It generally works from anywhere between 12 - 18 hours, costing around $45 per vial (Manzella 3).

     Combinations and premixed insulin are a mixture of regular and intermediate-acting insulin. A couple of brands that produce a mix of insulin are Novolog Mix and Humalog Mix, around $309 for one supply of ten milliliters (Manzella 3).

     The fifth type of insulin is a long-acting insulin. This insulin has an onset of many hours but it has no peak. Long-acting insulin usually works for 24+ hours. Two examples of brands that manufacture long-acting insulin are Levemir, around $463 per vial, and Tresiba (Manzella 3).

     Ultra long-acting insulin has an onset of six hours and, unfortunately, does not have a peak. It works for up to 36 hours. This type of insulin costs around $105 for a vial (Manzella 3).

     There are plenty of options for the type of insulin a diabetic may choose to use. When choosing what insulin to take, take into consideration how quickly you need the insulin to work, for how long, and the price of the insulin.

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