Which insulin type has an onset of 30 minutes?

Short-acting insulin is characterized by its onset of approximately 30 minutes, making it suitable for situations where a rapid decrease in blood glucose levels is required, such as postprandial glucose control. This type of insulin is typically administered before meals to anticipate the rise in blood glucose that occurs after eating.

Basal insulin, on the other hand, generally has a longer duration of action and is intended to provide a steady level of insulin throughout the day, helping to manage blood glucose levels between meals and overnight. Long-acting insulin acts even more slowly, with a prolonged duration that spans up to 24 hours or longer, while intermediate-acting insulin has a variable onset that ranges from 1 to 3 hours, which does not align with the 30-minute onset characteristic of short-acting insulin.

In clinical practice, the rapid onset of short-acting insulin is crucial for effective management of blood glucose levels surrounding meals, allowing for better control of diabetes in patients who require such adjustments.