How long does the action of regular insulin typically last?

Regular insulin typically has an action duration of about 2 to 4 hours, making this option the most accurate reflection of its pharmacokinetics. Regular insulin is classified as a short-acting insulin, which means it starts to work within approximately 30 minutes after injection, peaks around 2 to 3 hours, and generally lasts between 3 to 6 hours.

Most practitioners would reference that its effective duration, during which it can lower blood glucose levels, extends to the higher end of that range in terms of active action, reinforcing the 2-4 hour duration. The 6-10 hour duration listed in the other choice may refer to the overall impact including some residual effects that could be felt; however, when strictly assessing how long it is expected to actively lower blood glucose, this option is not the best fit for regular insulin.

Understanding the pharmacological properties of insulin types is crucial for effective diabetes management, especially regarding timing of administration in relation to meals and blood glucose monitoring.