Insulin Chart

This chart shows the most common types of insulin available in the United States. The generic name is listed first, followed by the brand name.


Insulin Type Properties Novo Nordisk Manufacturer Eli Lilly Manufacturer Aventis Manufacturer
Mealtime:
Very fast-acting; insulin analog		 Begins to act: 5-15 minutes
Peaks: 90 minutes
Lasts: 3-4 hours		 aspart (Novolog)
Preferably not mixed with other insulin in same syringe.		 lispro (Humalog)
Preferably not mixed with other insulin in same syringe.		 glulisine (Apidra)
Preferably not mixed with other insulin in same syringe.
Mealtime:
Regular action		 Begins to act: 30-60 minutes
Peaks: 2-3 hours
Lasts: 4-6 hours		 regular (Novolin R)
May be mixed with NPH but action time is significantly changed.		 N/A N/A
Longer-lasting:
Intermediate action; background insulin		 Begins to act: 2-3 hours
Peaks: 6-8 hours
Lasts: 10-16 hours		 NPH (Novolin N)
Regular insulin with neutral protamine added to prolong action.		 NPH (Humulin N) N/A
Longer-lasting:
Intermediate action; background insulin		 Begins to act: 1-2 hours
Peaks: 2-3 hours (mild)
Lasts: 14-24 hours
 detemir (Levemir)
Preferably not mixed with other insulin in same syringe.		 N/A glargine (Lantus)
Preferably not mixed with other insulin in same syringe.

Clinical review by David McCulloch, MD
Group Health
Reviewed 02/22/2012