You cannot take insulin as a pill. If you did, the moment it got to your stomach it would be digested and would never get into your bloodstream.
You have to inject insulin into the fat just under your skin - from there it will get to your bloodstream.
There are many types of insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) there are over 20 types of insulin in the American market. They work in different ways, they are made differently, and they vary in price.
Insulin is most commonly made in laboratories today. It can also come from animals, mainly pigs.
Rapid-acting insulin
This type of human insulin starts to work within five minutes of being injected and peaks after about one hour. It continues to be active for 2 to 4 hours. Examples of rapid-acting insulin are lispro marketed by Eli Lilly, insulin aspart marketed by Novo Nordisk, or insulin glulisine marketed by sanofi-aventis.
Short-acting insulin
Also known as Regular (acting) insulin. This type of human insulin reaches your bloodstream approximately 30 minutes after you inject it, and peaks from 2 to 3 hours after injection. It is effective for 3 to 6 hours.
Intermediate-acting insulin
This human insulin takes from 2 to 4 hours to reach the bloodstream after injection. It peaks at 4 to 12 hours. It is effective for approximately 12 to 18 hours.
Long-acting insulin
This insulin gets into your bloodstream about 6 to 10 hours after you inject it. It is effective for 20 to 24 hours. This type of insulin is also known as ultralente.
Pre-mixed insulin
Some patients have to mix two different types of insulin. If they find that difficult they can have the insulin pre-mixed. This is especially useful for people who are visually impaired.
Allergic reaction to insulin additives
The insulin a diabetic takes has additives to keep it free of bacteria and to tweak its time of action. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to some additives found in intermediate and long-acting insulins - however, this is very rare.
PostCare Diabetes Center: Injecting Insulin
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