What is the Difference Between NPH and Regular Insulin?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between NPH insulin and regular insulin lies in their duration of action and absorption time.
NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin is a longer-acting insulin used to cover blood sugar between meals and to satisfy the overnight insulin requirement. It has an onset of 1 to 2 hours, a peak effect of 4 to 6 hours, and a duration of action of more than 12 hours. NPH insulin is a suspension of different sized crystals and needs to be remixed thoroughly before each injection.
Regular insulin, on the other hand, is a shorter-acting insulin that works more quickly and has a shorter duration of action. It is often used in combination with NPH insulin in pre-mixed formulations.
Key differences between NPH and regular insulin include:
- Duration of action: NPH insulin has a longer duration of action (more than 12 hours) compared to regular insulin.
- Onset and peak: NPH insulin has an onset of 1 to 2 hours and a peak effect of 4 to 6 hours, while regular insulin has a more rapid onset and peak effect.
- Insulin combination: NPH insulin is often combined with regular insulin in pre-mixed formulations to provide a combination of short and intermediate-acting insulins.
Self-assessment quizzes can be found on the Diabetes Education Online website for more information on NPH and regular insulin.
Comparative Table: NPH vs Regular Insulin
Here is a table comparing the differences between NPH and Regular Insulin:
Characteristic | NPH Insulin (Intermediate-acting) | Regular Insulin (Short-acting) |
---|---|---|
Onset of Action (hr) | 1-2 | ~1 |
Duration of Action (hr) | 14+ | 5-8 |
Peak Effect | 6-14 | - |
Insulin Type | Combination of human and cow/pig insulin | Human insulin |
Appearance | Cloudy | Clear |
Injection Route | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous |
NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin with an onset of action of approximately 2 hours, a peak effect between 6 and 14 hours, and a duration of action of 10-16 hours. It is a combination of human insulin and cow or pig insulin. Regular insulin is a short-acting insulin with an onset of action of about 1 hour and a duration of action of 5-8 hours. It is a human insulin.
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