What is the onset time for regular insulin?

Regular insulin typically has an onset time of approximately 30 minutes. This means that it usually begins to lower blood glucose levels within this time frame after administration. Regular insulin is classified as a short-acting insulin, and understanding its onset is crucial for managing patients with diabetes, especially in situations like meal planning or when used in a hospital setting for managing blood sugar levels.

When administering this type of insulin, healthcare providers aim for timely monitoring of blood glucose levels, often checking around 30 minutes after administration to see how the patient is responding. Knowing the onset time helps ensure that the insulin is effective and that blood glucose levels do not become dangerously high or low in relation to meal timing and patient activity.