What are the onset, peak, and duration of action for Regular Humulin (human insulin) and Novolog (insulin aspart) insulins?

Onset, Peak, and Duration of Regular Humulin Insulin and Novolog Insulin

Regular Humulin insulin has an onset of 15 minutes, peaks at 3-4 hours, and has a duration of 6-8 hours, while Novolog (insulin aspart) has a faster onset of 5 minutes, peaks at 1-2 hours, and has a shorter duration of 3-4 hours. 1

Regular Humulin Insulin (Human Insulin)

• Onset: 15 minutes after subcutaneous injection 1
• Peak action: 3-4 hours 1
• Duration of action: 6-8 hours 1
• Regular insulin has a delayed onset, later peak, and longer duration compared to rapid-acting insulin analogs, which can lead to postprandial hyperglycemia and late hypoglycemia 2

Novolog Insulin (Insulin Aspart)

• Onset: 5 minutes after subcutaneous injection 1
• Peak action: 1-2 hours 1
• Duration of action: 3-4 hours 1
• Insulin aspart provides significantly faster absorption, quicker onset, and shorter duration of action than regular human insulin 3, 4

Clinical Implications of Different Pharmacokinetic Profiles

• Timing of administration:

  • Regular insulin should be administered 15-30 minutes before meals due to its delayed onset 5
  • Novolog can be administered immediately before meals due to its rapid onset 3

• Postprandial glucose control:

  • Novolog provides better postprandial glycemic control than regular insulin due to its faster onset and earlier peak 3, 6
  • The rapid-acting insulin analogs like Novolog are preferred for mealtime insulin dosing because of their quick onset of action 1

• Hypoglycemia risk:

  • The risk of hypoglycemia, particularly nocturnal hypoglycemia, is lower with insulin aspart compared to regular human insulin 3, 6
  • However, rapid-acting insulin can cause a quicker onset of hypoglycemia, giving patients less time to recognize symptoms 1

Important Considerations for Clinical Use

• Understanding the pharmacokinetic profiles of different insulins is crucial for appropriate dosing and timing 1
• The American Diabetes Association recognizes that rapid-acting insulin analogs like Novolog are preferred for mealtime insulin dosing due to their quick onset of action 1
• Regular insulin may be a more affordable option for some patients despite newer products causing less hypoglycemia 1
• Patients should be educated about the onset, peak, and duration of their specific insulins to optimize glycemic control and minimize hypoglycemia risk 1