The main types of insulin

There are 7 main types of insulin:

Rapid-acting analogues –This insulin should ideally be injected just before food and have a peak action at between 0 and 3 hours. They tend to last between2 and 5 hours and only last long enough for the meal at which they are taken. They are clear in appearance.

Long-acting analogues - This insulin is  injected once or twice a day to provide background insulin lasting approximately 24 hours. They don't need to be taken with food because they don't have a peak action. They are clear in appearance.

Ultra long-acting analogues – This insulin is mainly used by people who are unable to inject themselves as they can provide background insulin for up to 42 hours. They should be injected once at any time of the day, preferably at the same time. They don't need to be taken with food because they don't have a peak action. They are clear in appearance.

Short-acting insulins – This insulin need to be injected 15–30 minutes before a meal to cover the rise in blood glucose levels that occurs after eating. They have a peak action of 2 to 6 hours and can last for up to eight hours. They are clear in appearance.

Medium- and long-acting insulins- This insulin is taken 1 or 2 times  a day to provide background insulin or in combination with short-acting insulins/rapid-acting analogues. Their peak activity is between 4 and 12 hours and can last up to 30 hours. They are cloudy in appearance.

Mixed insulin – a combination of medium- and short-acting insulin.

Mixed analogue – a combination of medium-acting insulin and rapid-acting analogue.