What differentiates short-acting insulin from long-acting insulin?

Short-acting insulin is specifically designed to manage blood glucose levels around meal times, which is why it is effective for controlling postprandial blood sugar. This type of insulin starts to work within 30 minutes to an hour after injection and peaks in about 2 to 3 hours, making it suitable for use just before meals to counteract the rise in blood sugar that occurs after eating.

In contrast, long-acting insulin is formulated to provide a steady level of insulin over an extended period, typically lasting up to 24 hours or more. This allows it to maintain baseline insulin needs without the need for frequent injections or specific timing around meals. Therefore, short-acting insulin is essential for managing the immediate effects of food intake, while long-acting insulin is used to provide continuous coverage.

By understanding the role of short-acting insulin in the management of postprandial glucose levels, one can better appreciate its application in diabetes treatment plans, particularly in the context of meals and blood glucose spikes.