Short-acting insulins

Short-acting insulin, also called regular insulin, starts working in about 30 minutes, peaks in two to four hours, and lasts about six to eight hours. It is given about 30 minutes before meals and is the insulin used in IV infusions. Regular insulin is a clear solution and can be mixed in the same syringe with NPH insulin, drawing up the regular insulin first. During IV use, blood sugar and potassium are monitored closely, since potassium moves into cells as glucose falls.

• Insulin regular (human)Known brand names include Humulin R, Novolin R, and Myxredlin.