What is the difference between long-acting and short-acting insulin? Let’s find out!

The number of people with diabetes in China has increased dramatically in the past 40 years. The current prevalence rate is as high as 10.9%, and the number of patients is as high as 116 million. About 95% of diabetic patients need medication in addition to diet and exercise. There are two types of medication: oral medication and insulin.

Among them, insulin is like the "blood sugar regulator" in our body, and long-acting and short-acting insulin are the two "weapons" of this master. Today, let us unveil the mystery of long-acting and short-acting insulin and have a deeper understanding of their characteristics and differences !

Imagine that our body is a vibrant stage, and blood sugar is the protagonist on the stage. Long-acting insulin is like a calm director, always working silently in the background, like a stable "workaholic".

The characteristics of long-acting insulin are just like its name. "Long" means that it can work silently in the body for a long time and play a lasting role. Like a loyal guard, it continuously protects our blood sugar stability. It is suitable for patients who need to maintain stable blood sugar. Generally, it only needs to be injected once a day at a fixed time.

It seems that long-acting insulin has many advantages!

There are generally five types of long-acting insulin on the market, mainly including:

1. Insulin detemir injection: This is a soluble basal insulin analogue, similar in structure to the insulin secreted by the human body. It can last up to 24 hours and provide stable and lasting blood sugar control for diabetic patients. It only needs to be injected once a day, which greatly facilitates patients.

2. Insulin glargine injection: It is divided into domestic recombinant insulin glargine and imported insulin glargine, which is a medium-acting human insulin hypoglycemic drug.

3. Degludec Insulin Injection: Degludec Insulin is a new type of long-acting insulin analog that has a longer duration of action and can last for more than 24 hours. This means that the number of injections can be reduced and the convenience of treatment is better.

4. Protamine zinc insulin: Protamine zinc insulin is an animal insulin that is extracted and processed from pig pancreas. It is closer in structure to the insulin secreted by the human body and has a better blood sugar-lowering effect.

5. Degludec insulin aspart injection: It is a dual insulin consisting of degludec insulin and aspart insulin. This drug combines long-acting degludec insulin and rapid-acting aspart insulin to provide more comprehensive and stable blood sugar control.

Next, let's get to know short-acting insulin ! Short-acting insulin is like a lively actor, able to appear quickly in a short period of time, respond quickly in the human body, and quickly lower blood sugar. It is especially suitable for injection 15 to 30 minutes before meals.

The characteristics of short-acting insulin are rapid response and the ability to quickly lower blood sugar after a meal. When we finish a delicious meal, blood sugar begins to rise, and short-acting insulin will be dispatched quickly to restore blood sugar to normal levels as soon as possible. Moreover, it is highly flexible and can be adjusted according to our diet and blood sugar situation.

Long-acting insulin is like a superhero who silently guards the safety of the universe and protects blood sugar day and night; while short-acting insulin is like a flexible elf who appears quickly when needed to help us cope with changes in blood sugar.

So, what is the difference between long-acting and short-acting insulin in use ?

First, the injection time is different. Long-acting insulin usually only needs to be injected once a day, while short-acting insulin needs to be injected multiple times depending on diet and blood sugar conditions.

Secondly, the duration of action is different. Long-acting insulin has a long duration of action and can provide continuous blood sugar control; short-acting insulin has a short duration of action but a quick response.

Finally, when choosing between long-acting and short-acting insulin, we need to decide based on our actual situation. If your blood sugar fluctuates greatly and you need more stable blood sugar control, then long-acting insulin may be more suitable for you. If your blood sugar easily rises after a meal and you need to lower it quickly, then short-acting insulin is your good partner.

Of course, there are some things you need to pay attention to when using insulin .

First of all, whether using long-acting or short-acting insulin, you need to pay attention to the dosage and time of injection. Too much or too little dosage, too early or too late time may affect the control of blood sugar.

Secondly, we should also pay attention to the coordination of diet and exercise. Reasonable diet and moderate exercise can help us better control blood sugar and reduce dependence on insulin.

Finally, don't forget to monitor your blood sugar regularly. Only by understanding your blood sugar level in a timely manner can we better adjust the dosage of insulin.

Whether it is long-acting or short-acting insulin, they are good helpers for us to control blood sugar and help us maintain healthy blood sugar levels. I believe you now have a deeper understanding of them!