What is the duration of action for rapid-acting insulin?

The duration of action for rapid-acting insulin is typically around 4-6 hours. Rapid-acting insulin is designed to be taken shortly before or during meals to manage blood sugar levels effectively after eating. The shorter duration of action allows for peak insulin activity to coincide with the rise in blood glucose levels that typically occurs following a meal.

Understanding the pharmacokinetics of insulin types is crucial for effective diabetes management, as it helps healthcare providers and patients time their insulin administration around meals for optimal glycemic control. This timing minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia and allows for better metabolic regulation.

Other durations mentioned in the options are not representative of rapid-acting insulin. Longer durations are more characteristic of other insulin types, such as intermediate-acting or long-acting insulins, which are not suitable for rapid control of postprandial blood glucose.