What Are The Top Insulin Brands For Diabetics?

For the last few years, you’ve successfully been managing your diabetes by simply living a healthier life. 

You’ve changed your eating habits, started working out more, and even started meditating to help lower your stress levels.

Despite your lifestyle changes, your doctor is recommending that you start insulin therapy. 

You were hoping it wouldn’t come to this, as the thought of having to take shots all of the time seems a bit inconvenient when you have a million and one things to do.

There are also so many different brands of insulin that it is hard to know which one is right for you. 

We get it, understanding the various insulin types can be challenging when you're just beginning. 

In our guide below, you’ll learn the different types of insulin to help you determine the most suitable option for your needs.

Understanding Insulin Types and How They Work

Before learning about insulin brands, it’s best for you to understand the different types of insulin. This will help you decide what's best for your needs. 

Next, insulin is grouped into three main categories based on how it works: bolus, basal, and mixed insulins.

• Bolus insulins are taken before meals to handle the rise in blood sugar after eating. They work quickly to reduce high glucose levels and are often used with background insulin.

• Basal insulins give you a steady insulin level between meals and overnight. You usually take them once or twice a day to keep your blood sugar stable.

• Mixed insulins are a mix of short-acting or rapid-acting insulin with intermediate-acting insulin. They give you both mealtime and background insulin in one shot. This mixture looks cloudy.

Next, insulin is categorized by how fast it starts working (onset), when it works the strongest (peak), and how long it lasts (duration):

• Rapid-acting insulin: starts working within 15 minutes, peaks in one to two hours, and lasts for two to four hours (though some can last up to five).

• Short-acting insulin: starts working within 30 minutes, peaks in two to three hours, and lasts for three to six hours.

• Intermediate-acting insulin: starts working two to four hours later, peaks between four and twelve hours, and lasts for twelve to eighteen hours.

• Long-acting insulin: typically starts working within one to two hours, has a very small peak, and lasts for 20 to 24 hours or longer.

• Ultra-long acting insulin: starts working within about 30 to 90 minutes, has no pronounced peak, and can last up to 42 hours.

Knowing this about insulin will help you decide which insulin type is best for your diabetes management plan. 

Also, it's worth noting that some types of insulin can be associated with unexpected weight gain. 

When you’re trying your hardest to live a healthier lifestyle, weight gain from taking medication can be heartbreaking to deal with. 

However, one type of insulin is known to help lower weight gain, find out in this post. 

Insulin Delivery Methods: Pens, Syringes, and Pumps

There are various insulin administration methods available. This includes pens, syringes, and pumps. 

Each insulin delivery method has its own unique characteristics and advantages. Below, we’ll explore each to help you decide which one you would like the most:

Insulin Syringes: The traditional method of administering insulin involves drawing insulin from a vial into a syringe. After that, you inject the insulin into the subcutaneous layer, the fat layer just beneath the skin.

Insulin Syringes Pros:

• More affordable than other insulin options.

• Allows for precise dosage measurement.

Insulin Syringes Cons:

• The multiple steps involved can be overwhelming.

• May cause more discomfort than pens or pumps.

• It requires the proper disposal of needles after each use.

Who are Insulin Syringes best for: Those who prefer affordability, precise dosage, and are comfortable with the injection process.

Insulin Pens: Prefilled or refillable devices that hold insulin cartridges. Often considered more convenient due to the use of a fine needle and the ability to select the desired dosage.

Insulin Pens Pros:

• Easier to use than insulin syringes.

• Provides discreet use and is portable.

• Tends to cause less discomfort.

Insulin Pens Cons:

• It can be more expensive.

• May not offer the same level of precise dosage as syringes for very small or unusual doses.

Who are Insulin Pens best for: Those prioritizing convenience and portability in insulin administration.

Insulin Pumps: Electronic devices that deliver insulin through a catheter inserted under the skin. They often provide basal insulin continuously throughout the day and allow for bolus insulin delivery before meals.

Insulin Pumps Pros:

• Provides precise and customizable insulin delivery.

• Offers greater flexibility in meal timing and activity levels.

• Studies show that insulin pumps can improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Insulin Pumps Cons:

• Most expensive insulin delivery option.

• Requires initial training and ongoing maintenance.

• Requires wearing a device 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Who are Insulin Pumps best for: Individuals looking for tight blood sugar control, comfortable wearing a device, and seeking greater flexibility in their diabetes management.

Do diabetics always need insulin? That's a common question, particularly if you have type 2 diabetes. 

Our post here explores this topic in detail. You'll discover why some individuals require insulin immediately upon diagnosis, while others may manage their condition for several years before needing this medication.

What Are the Top Brands of Insulin?

Below, you'll find some of the leading insulin brands, grouped by how they are delivered. We'll also cover the onset, peak, duration, and primary use of each insulin brand.

Short-Acting Insulin Brands

 

Short-acting insulin manages blood sugar after meals consumed within 30-60 minutes following injection.

Intermediate-Acting Insulin Brands

Intermediate-acting insulin usually covers insulin needs for about half a day or overnight. It is often combined with short or rapid-acting insulin.

Rapid-Acting Insulin Brands

Rapid-acting insulin quickly lowers blood sugar levels after a meal and is therefore typically taken just before or immediately after starting to eat. 

The faster action helps to counteract the rapid rise in glucose after food intake. It usually complements the action of a longer-acting basal insulin to provide overall blood sugar control.

Long-Acting Insulin Brands

Long-acting insulin offers a baseline insulin level, typically lasting around one full day. It is often used alongside rapid- or short-acting insulin to cover meal-related needs.

Premixed Insulin Brand Types

After each brand name, you’ll see a percentage. This is to show the amount of each insulin type in the premix. 

Premixed insulins combine specific percentages of intermediate- and short-acting insulin in a single bottle. Typically, they are injected two or three times daily before meals. 

Do Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics Use Different Types of Insulin?

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics are able to use any type of insulin. However, the way they use insulin is different. 

Type 1 diabetics' insulin treatment usually involves a combination of basal and bolus types. 

This helps to naturally mimic the body’s insulin release, as those with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin on their own. 

Combining basal and bolus insulin effectively manages both background insulin needs and the rise in blood sugar after meals.

Insulin pumps are also often recommended for type 1 diabetics due to their delivery method. 

They provide rapid-acting insulin continuously, both as a basal rate and for bolus doses.

Insulin treatment for type 2 diabetics varies. Some may only need once-daily injections of a long-acting (basal) insulin. 

Others may also need to add bolus insulin before meals to help manage post-meal glucose spikes.

Premix insulin is also common for those with type 2 diabetes. The specific insulin treatment for a type 2 diabetic will depend on personal needs, a doctor’s recommendation, and blood sugar patterns.

How To Know Which Insulin Brand Is Best For You

Before you get ahead of yourself, thinking you can choose any insulin brand, know that the decision requires a close collaboration between you and your doctor.

They will include factors such as your diabetes type, lifestyle, and blood sugar patterns. Your insurance coverage, cost considerations, and comfort level of delivery method will also be included.

Talk with your health care provider about your preferences, concerns, and any challenges with insulin treatment. If you need help opening up to your doctor about your diabetes management care, you can read our post: How to Have a Great Doctor’s Visit.