Insulin lispro (Humalog) is what type of insulin?
A.
Long acting
B.
Intermediate acting
C.
Fast acting
D.
Rapid acting
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Rapid acting
Explanation:
Insulin lispro (Humalog) is classified as a rapid-acting insulin. It is designed to work quickly to control blood sugar levels after meals. This type of insulin is an analog of human insulin, meaning it has been modified to act faster than regular insulin. Rapid-acting insulins like lispro are engineered to mimic the body’s natural insulin response to eating, which is critical for people with diabetes who need to manage their blood glucose levels effectively.
When a person consumes food, their blood sugar levels rise as carbohydrates are broken down into glucose. For people without diabetes, the pancreas automatically releases insulin to help glucose enter cells for energy, thus lowering blood sugar levels. However, in individuals with diabetes, this process is impaired, either due to insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or because the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). Rapid-acting insulins like lispro are administered before meals to mimic the body’s natural insulin release, helping to manage the postprandial (after eating) spike in blood sugar.
The onset of action for insulin lispro is typically within 15 minutes, which means it starts to work very quickly after injection. Its peak effect occurs around 30 to 90 minutes after administration, and its duration of action is about 3 to 5 hours. This rapid onset and short duration make it ideal for controlling blood sugar levels during and after meals, reducing the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and improving overall blood glucose control.
However, because it acts so quickly, timing is crucial when using insulin lispro. It should be injected within 15 minutes before a meal or immediately after eating to ensure that it coincides with the rise in blood glucose. Failure to do so may result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if the insulin action peaks before the glucose from the meal is fully absorbed.
In summary, insulin lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin that is essential for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, particularly in controlling the blood glucose spikes that occur after meals. Proper timing and administration are key to its effectiveness and in preventing complications such as hypoglycemia.