Speeding Insulin 3: Warming/Massaging the Injection Site

Another strategy that can help ensure that insulin is working quickly when needed is to warm the injection site.  This can be accomplished by taking a hot bath or shower, using a warm compress, or massing the site of injection soon after the insulin is given.  The warming or rubbing action brings blood vessels to the skin surface, which shortens the time to onset and peak action of the insulin.

Speeding Insulin 4: Inject the Arm/Abdomen

The body part used for the injection can also affect its rate of action.  Due to increased subcutaneous capillary perfusion, injecting/infusing insulin in the arm and abdomen can lead to more rapid insulin absorption/action than injecting the legs, hips or buttocks.

Speeding Insulin 4: Inject the Arm/Abdomen

Inhaled insulin – Afrezza – has a much more rapid onset and peak than injected insulin. Overall, Afrezza works about twice as fast as injected insulin. Those who use Afrezza tend to have much flatter post-meal glucose profiles than those who take injections. Due to its very rapid action profile, It is usually best to take Afrezza immediately before eating rather than in advance of meals.

Max serum concentration: 15 minutes Max effect:: 50 minutes Clearance: 2.5 - 3 hours

Speeding Insulin 6: Don’t Smoke

There are many reasons to not smoke if you have diabetes. In addition to contributing to blood vessel diseases, cigarette smoking causes immediate constriction of peripheral blood vessels, which impairs insulin absorption and delays insulin’s action. For those who MUST smoke, it is best to not smoke within 30 minutes after taking insulin.

Peripheral Vasoconstriction Delayed Insulin Absorption

Speeding Insulin 7: Sulfonylurea Options

If an insulin secretagogue is needed, meglitinides are preferred over sulfonylureas due to their shorter and more rapid action. However, users must guard against hypoglycemia when using meglitinides – delaying meals for too long can lead to an undesired drop in the blood glucose.