Which insulin is an example of intermediate-acting insulin?

Which insulin is an example of intermediate-acting insulin?

• A. Lispro
• B. NPH insulin
• C. Regular insulin
• D. Ultralente

Answer: (B)

Insulin preparations are grouped by how quickly they act and how long they provide coverage. An intermediate-acting insulin has a slower onset and a longer duration than rapid- or short-acting forms, typically starting in about 1–3 hours and lasting roughly 14–18 hours. This profile comes from the way it’s formulated (often with protamine) to slow absorption, giving a steady basal effect without a sharp peak. NPH insulin fits this middle-ground pattern, making it the classic example of intermediate-acting insulin. In contrast, rapid-acting insulins (like lispro) act quickly, within minutes and last only a few hours, while regular insulin is short-acting with a longer but still relatively limited window. Ultralente is long-acting, providing coverage over a full day or more with a much slower onset. So, the intermediate option is the one that best matches the described timing.

Insulin preparations are grouped by how quickly they act and how long they provide coverage. An intermediate-acting insulin has a slower onset and a longer duration than rapid- or short-acting forms, typically starting in about 1–3 hours and lasting roughly 14–18 hours. This profile comes from the way it’s formulated (often with protamine) to slow absorption, giving a steady basal effect without a sharp peak. NPH insulin fits this middle-ground pattern, making it the classic example of intermediate-acting insulin.

In contrast, rapid-acting insulins (like lispro) act quickly, within minutes and last only a few hours, while regular insulin is short-acting with a longer but still relatively limited window. Ultralente is long-acting, providing coverage over a full day or more with a much slower onset. So, the intermediate option is the one that best matches the described timing.