There are several types of insulin. Rapid- or short-acting insulin is usually taken before meals. Learn more about Novo Nordisk rapid-acting insulin. Intermediate- or long-acting insulin is usually taken at supper or bedtime. Learn more about Novo Nordisk long-acting insulin. Some types of premixed insulin provide rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulin in a single dose. This type of insulin is usually taken before breakfast, before the evening meal, or at both times. Learn more about Novo Nordisk premixed insulin. Talk with your doctor or diabetes care team to determine which insulin type is right for you.

A rapid-acting insulin analog is a slightly changed form human insulin. This change allows the insulin to be absorbed and work faster. As a result, it starts working within minutes. This means that you can take your insulin and eat right away. Rapid-acting insulin analogs work like insulin that is released after meals in people who do not have diabetes, which is a significant goal of insulin therapy. Learn more about Novo Nordisk rapid-acting insulin.

A rapid-acting insulin analog has several advantages over other types of insulin:

• It can be injected 15 minutes before a meal, making it more convenient
• It doesn't last in the body as long as other types of insulin. Rapid-acting insulin analogs work like the insulin that is released after meals in people who do not have diabetes, which is a significant goal of insulin therapy. Rapid-acting insulin can improve blood sugar control after meals

Learn more about Novo Nordisk rapid-acting insulin.

Some insulin analogs are available in prefilled disposable pens. Learn more about some types of prefilled disposable pens. Insulin is also available in 10-mL vials.

Prescriptions are not needed to get some of the older types of insulin, but they are needed for the more recently developed insulins. Learn more about some of these more recent (analog) insulins. Depending on the laws in your state, you may also need prescriptions for needles and syringes.

Premixed insulin analogs provide both rapid-acting and intermediate-acting insulin in a single preparation. Talk with your doctor to see if a premixed insulin analog may work for you. Any change in insulin should be made carefully and only under medical supervision. Learn more about Novo Nordisk premixed insulin.

If you are having problems managing your blood sugar with regular human insulin, you may decide to switch to a rapid-acting insulin analog for more convenience and flexibility. You may find that your dosage of a rapid-acting insulin analog will be the same. It's important to note that any change in insulin must be done under strict medical supervision. Each person's dosage and injection schedule are unique. Learn more about Novo Nordisk rapid-acting insulin

Yes, but not with every type of insulin. They cannot be mixed with long-acting insulin analogs. Learn more about Novo Nordisk long-acting insulin. Talk with your doctor or diabetes care team about taking rapid-acting insulin with another type of insulin. Learn more about Novo Nordisk rapid-acting insulin. Any change in treatment should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision.

In people who do not have diabetes, the pancreas continuously releases a small, steady "basal" flow of insulin. This keeps blood sugar within the normal range overnight and between meals. A long-acting insulin analog can be taken to mimic (copy) basal insulin.

When you eat, the pancreas normally releases a short "burst," or "bolus," of insulin to handle the increased sugar in your blood after a meal. Blood sugar is usually highest about an hour after a meal. High sugar levels signal the body to release more insulin into the bloodstream to help the sugar get into the cells, where it can be used as energy. This natural bolus of insulin can be mimicked (copied) by taking an injection of a rapid-acting insulin analog before each meal. Learn more about Novo Nordisk rapid-acting insulin.

The goal of intensive insulin therapy is to keep your blood sugar level as close to normal as possible. It can help your body meet its need for insulin just as your body did before you had diabetes. Intensive insulin therapy can help you better manage your blood sugar, add more freedom and flexibility to your life, and may help reduce your risk of diabetes-related health problems. You may need to take insulin and use your meter when you are away from home. Fortunately, insulin delivery systems are now available that are more convenient than vial and syringe. Learn more about some of the different types of insulin delivery systems.