There are different types of insulin available and prescribed by the doctor according to the need of the patient. Insulin is grouped according to the speed of action in the body i.e. a) Rapid or Short acting, b) Intermediate acting, and c) Long acting.

Table presented below will give you an overview of the types of insulin. Although you will not prescribe insulin directly to the patient yet, you should be aware of types of insulin and duration of their action. Sometimes patient may ask questions and you have to educate the patient.

All types of insulin have the same basic action i.e. reducing blood sugar level, but they differ in onset and duration of action. If blood sugar level is difficult to control, two different types of insulin are combined and given in a single injection.