What is the duration of long-acting insulin?

Long-acting insulin is specifically designed to provide a steady and prolonged release of insulin into the bloodstream, which helps in managing blood glucose levels over an extended period. The typical duration of long-acting insulin is around 24 hours, which allows for flexibility in meal timing and helps in mimicking the natural release of insulin by the pancreas throughout the day and night.

This insulin is beneficial for individuals with diabetes as it helps to maintain baseline insulin levels, facilitating better overall blood glucose control without the peaks and valleys often associated with shorter-acting insulins. When using long-acting insulin, it is essential for patients to understand its duration so they can effectively plan their meals, activities, and any additional insulin doses they may need throughout the day.

The other durations mentioned, such as 12 hours, 18 hours, and 36 hours, do not accurately reflect the pharmacokinetics of long-acting insulins. Therefore, 24 hours is recognized as the standard duration for this type of insulin, making it the most accurate choice.