Which type of insulin lasts longer, NPH or regular insulin?

NPH insulin, which stands for Neutral Protamine Hagedorn insulin, is a type of intermediate-acting insulin. It usually has its peak effect around 4 to 12 hours after injection and can last for up to 24 hours, making it suitable for providing a baseline level of insulin over a longer period.

In contrast, regular insulin (also referred to as short-acting insulin) typically has a shorter duration of action, lasting about 3 to 6 hours following administration. Its peak effect usually occurs within 1 to 3 hours, which is why it is commonly used for managing blood glucose levels during meals rather than for long-term coverage.

Thus, the distinction in duration between these two types of insulin is significant; NPH insulin provides more prolonged glycemic control due to its extended action compared to regular insulin.