Insulin Peaks in One Picture

🧠 Why it matters

RAPID (lispro, aspart): onset 15 minutes, peak about 1 to 3 hours, lasts 3 to 5 hours; give with a meal in reach. REGULAR: onset 30 to 60 minutes, peak 2 to 4 hours, lasts 5 to 8 hours; the standard insulin for IV infusions. NPH: onset 1 to 2 hours, peak 4 to 12 hours, lasts 12 to 18 hours; cloudy, draw clear before cloudy. GLARGINE and DEGLUDEC: no real peak, 24 hours or longer; never mixed. Hypoglycemia under 70: if the client is alert and able to swallow, give 15 grams of fast carbohydrate and recheck in 15 minutes; if the client cannot swallow safely or is unresponsive, give glucagon (IM, subcutaneous or intranasal) or IV dextrose per protocol.

🏥 In the real world

🥪 A nurse gives NPH at 0800. The client sleeps through lunch. At 1400 he is sweaty and confused. The nurse who knew the peak window was already at the bedside with juice, and glucagon in case he could not swallow. The nurse who did not finds out from the rapid response team.

📌 Takeaways

• Regular is the standard IV insulin; rapid-acting needs food in reach
• Clear (regular) before cloudy (NPH); glargine is never mixed
• Hypoglycemia: if alert and able to swallow, 15 grams of fast carbohydrate and recheck in 15 minutes; if not, glucagon or IV dextrose

✅ Test yourself