Insulin and Injectables
Rapid-Acting Insulin
Starts working after 15 minutes after the injection of insulin into the body. This type of insulin lasts for about 2 to 4 hours.
"Regular" or short-acting Insulin
Reaches the bloodstream in about 30 minutues after injection. This type of insulin is effective for 2 to 3 hours.
Intermediate-acting insulin
Reaches the blood stream 2 to 3 hours after injection. This type of insulin is effective for up to 8 to 12 hours.
Long-lasting insulin
Reaches the bloodstream several hours later and lowers glucose levels for at least 24 hours.
Ultra long-acting
Reaches the bloodstream in 6 hours and last for roughly 36 hours or more.
Oral Medications
There are currently 9 different categories of oral diabetic medications. Each type of medication shares the common purpose of controlling blood glucose levels in those who can still naturally produce insulin (Type 2 Diabetics). Oral medications and injectable insulin are often taken together to help control blood glucose levels.
A few examples of oral medications are:
- Metformin (Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet)
- Glipizide (Glucotrol XL)
- Tradjenta (Linagliptin)
- Pioglitozone (Actos)