The use of short-acting human insulin (brand name: Actrapid) and animal insulins available by special permit is very limited.
Short-acting insulin has an onset of action of 30 minutes to 1 hour, peak effect in 2–4 hours and duration of action of 5–8 hours. The effect depends on the dose, and there are individual differences in absorption. Due to its long duration of action, using short-acting insulin as bolus insulin normally requires a snack within a couple of hours’ time.
In special circumstances, short-acting insulin can also be used in hospitals.