What is the duration of action for regular insulin?

The duration of action for regular insulin is approximately 4 to 6 hours after administration. This duration is significant as it helps guide healthcare providers in managing blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Understanding the timing of insulin action is crucial for planning meal times and managing potential hypoglycemic events. Regular insulin is classified as a short-acting insulin, which means it is typically effective about 30 minutes after injection, peaks at around 2 to 3 hours, and then continues to work for about 4 to 6 hours.

In the context of diabetes management, knowing that regular insulin maintains its effectiveness for approximately 4 hours can assist nurses and patients in scheduling doses around meals to control blood sugar levels effectively.