QUICK “RULE OF THUMB” FOR INSULIN ACTION
INSULIN
STARTS TO WORK
WORKS HARD AT
LASTS
Humalog(lispro)
10 - 15 minutes
60 – 90 minutes
4 – 5 hours
Novo Rapid(aspart)
10 –20 minutes
60 – 90 minutes
4 - 5 hours
Toronto, Regular or R
30 – 60 minutes
2 – 4 hours
5 – 8 hours
NPH/N or Lente/L
1 – 3 hours
5 – 8 hours
Up to 18 hrs
works evenly (peakless)
20-24 hours
Lantus(glargine)/Levemir(detemir) 1- 2 hours
IMPORTANT: Insulin works differently for different people. Blood glucose testing will help
determine how well your insulin is working. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator if your blood
glucose levels are too high or too low.
Other Points to Remember About Your Insulin
Injection sites are important - the fatty part of the abdomen is the recommended
site for all insulin. Longer acting insulins can also be injected into the outer fatty
parts of the upper arms or legs.
Keep the insulin vial or cartridge that you are using at room temperature and keep
all extra insulin in the fridge.
Look at of expiry date on your insulin. Insulin can be kept at room temperature
for one month. Keep your insulin away from extreme heat, freezing or sunlight.
Once a vial/cartridge is opened it is only good for one month
Cloudy insulin needs gentle shaking before each use
Check appearance of insulin
o Toronto, R, Regular, Humalog or Novorapid, Lantus, Levemir should be
crystal clear.
o N, NPH, L or any premix (i.e. 30/70) should be evenly cloudy after
mixing.
Always discard used sharps (needles and lancets) in a hard plastic container with
a lid, NOT a regular garbage pail or plastic bag. Speak to your pharmacist about
disposing your sharps.
REV Jan 2012