What is the onset time for rapid acting insulin, such as Lispro?

Rapid-acting insulin, such as Lispro, has an onset time of approximately 5 minutes to 1 hour after injection. This quick onset allows for effective management of blood glucose levels, particularly in response to meals. Rapid-acting insulins work by mimicking the natural insulin response to food, starting to lower blood glucose levels shortly after administration.

This characteristic makes rapid-acting insulin an essential component of a comprehensive insulin regimen for individuals with diabetes, especially for those who require more immediate control of their blood sugar levels after eating. The swift action also allows patients to administer insulin close to mealtime, making it practical and effective for managing postprandial (after eating) glucose levels.

Other onset times associated with insulin types do not apply here; for instance, long-acting insulins have much longer onset times and are designed for basal insulin coverage rather than immediate response to food intake.