What is the onset time for Lantus/Levemir (long-acting insulin)?

The onset time for Lantus (insulin glargine) and Levemir (insulin detemir), both of which are long-acting insulins, is indeed accurately placed at 1-2 hours. This allows them to steadily release insulin over an extended period, which provides a basal level of insulin that helps maintain blood glucose levels throughout the day and night.

This characteristic is important for managing diabetes, as these insulins do not act immediately but gradually increase insulin levels in the bloodstream. This slower onset helps minimize the risk of rapid drops in blood glucose, which can occur with faster-acting insulins. Long-acting insulins are typically used for producing a continuous insulin effect, rather than for immediate glucose control.

In the context of diabetes management, knowing the onset, peak, and duration of different types of insulin is crucial for effective treatment plans, including meal timing and doses. Understanding that Lantus and Levemir have an onset of 1-2 hours supports their use for maintaining stable baseline insulin levels in patients with diabetes.