What is the duration of action for Humalog insulin?

Humalog insulin, also known as insulin lispro, is a rapid-acting insulin that is typically utilized to manage blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes. The duration of action for Humalog is approximately 3 to 5 hours, with the peak effect occurring between 1 to 2 hours after administration.

The reason why the correct answer is around 3 hours aligns with its pharmacokinetic profile, which is characterized by a quick onset and a relatively short duration compared to longer-acting insulins. This rapid action makes Humalog particularly effective for controlling postprandial (after meal) blood glucose levels, allowing individuals to take the insulin shortly before eating.

When considering the context of other insulin types, longer-acting insulins can have durations of action that span from several hours to over a full day, which further emphasizes Humalog's role as a rapid-acting solution. Understanding the duration of action is critical for proper dosing and timing in relation to meals, which ultimately aids in effective diabetes management.